Sheriff's deputies to conduct DUI checkpoint in North County

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The San Diego County Sheriff's Department will be conducting a DUI checkpoint Friday in North County to crack down on people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Deputies with the North Coastal Sheriff's Station will be checking for impaired drivers at an undisclosed location in Encinitas between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. Friday, law enforcement said in a release Thursday.

The checkpoint locations are determined based on where crashes related to impaired driving appear to happen the most based on prior data. The purpose is to take suspected impaired drivers off the road.

According to the department, the city of Encinitas has a high number of incidents related to being under the influence of alcohol, with the number of arrests and crashes along the coast being among the highest in San Diego County.

Impaired driving includes being under the influence of some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs, as well as medicinal and recreational marijuana.

Authorities remind people to designate a sober driver, rideshare or take public transportation if they plan on drinking or took medication that may affect their ability to drive.

They also recommend having someone sober walk you home or keep you company until someone is able to pick you up.

Drivers who are charged with a DUI for the first time may face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, and have their license suspended.