DUI checkpoint today on Highway 50 East

A DUI checkpoint is slated for today on Highway 50 East in Carson City.

Sheriff Ken Furlong said the checkpoint is a joint operation by The Carson City Sheriff's Office and a number of agencies from surrounding counties.

The checkpoint will be in the area of Mills Park. Motorists passing through will be stopped and have their identification checked between 5-11 p.m.

"Drunk driving is one of the America's deadliest crimes. Driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in every state, yet we continue to see far too many people suffer as a result of impaired driving," said Furlong. 

Since January more than 200 people have been arrested in Carson City for drunk driving, he said. 

"Making matters worse, 2010 has been a very deadly year for fatal automobile accidents along the Highway 50 corridor connecting Carson City and Lyon County," he said.    

Motorists suspected of driving while intoxicated will undergo a field sobriety test and breath test. Under Nevada law driver's may not refuse a breath test. If you do not consent to a breath or a blood test the officer may force you to give a blood sample.

Bail for a DUI is set at $1,132. If convicted on a first offense, the person faces up to six months in jail, a $1,175 fine and loss of their driver's license for 90 days. They must also attend DUI school and a Victim Impact Panel, both of which charge a fee.

The checkpoint is paid for by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety.