Currently, California law states that unlicensed drivers caught at DUI checkpoints without proper documentation will be issued a fine and have their cars impounded for at least 30 days. As of January 1, 2012 however, Assembly Bill 353 states that California police will no longer have this authority. Unlicensed drivers will still be forced to pay a fee of at least $100 dollars but they will forego the average $1,500 dollar cost generated at the impound lot. Supporters of the law argued that impounding an unlicensed drivers’ vehicle discriminated against peaceful immigrants unable to obtain proper documentation. Many law enforcement officials dispute the new law, stating that the bill encourages unlicensed drivers to jump back on the road once out of the officer’s sight. This will also cause a major decrease in revenue for California police agencies. Here at All-Pro we understand the importance of knowing your rights. Drive safe and if you ever find yourself in an undesirable situation know that there is always an All-Pro agent ready to help!

For more information: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/494108

Modesto, CA – As Halloween 2011 approaches, Modesto county law enforcement officials are gearing up for conducting increased patrols and DUI checkpoints throughout the holiday weekend.

As part of this effort, the Modesto Police Department has confirmed that they will conduct a sobriety checkpoint this Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29.

According to, Modesto police Lt. Scott Blom, “There isn’t a Halloween costume clever enough to hide an impaired driver who has made the poor decision to get behind the wheel.” Bloom goes on to say, ““Whether you’ve had one too many or way too many, it is just not worth the risk. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”

If you’re out celebrating, be sure to appoint a designated driver and travel safely. Happy Halloween from All-Pro!

For more information: http://www.drunkdrivingfacts.net/checkpoints/modesto-california-halloween-weekend-dui-saturation-patrols-scheduled-friday-october-28-and-saturday-october-29-2011

Beginning January 1, 2012, AB 1601 authorizes the court to revoke for up to 10 years the driver’s license of any person convicted of three or more DUI’s within a 10-year period. The bill would also authorize a person who had his or her driver’s license revoked for 10 years to apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles, 5 years from the date of the last DUI conviction, to have his or her privilege to operate a motor vehicle reinstated subject to certain conditions. These conditions include the scenario that the person was not convicted of any other drug or alcohol-related offenses during the driver’s license revocation period.

Existing law requires that a person, convicted of driving under the influence, without bodily injury to another, within 10 years of being convicted of a separate violation of one or more specified DUI offenses, be punished by his or her driving privilege being suspended or revoked for a period of 2 or more years. Currently, the Department of Motor Vehicles is to advise a person, who was only under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the violation, that he or she may apply for a restricted driver’s license after completion of 90 days, 6 months, or 12 months, of the suspension or revocation period.

Sonoma County, California – As the holidays move into full swing, Sonoma County police are executing a DUI enforcement task force operation known as “Avoid the 13.”

“Avoid the 13” is a collaborative enforcement and education effort made between 13 police departments throughout Sonoma County. The goal: Reduce alcohol-involved fatalities and injuries while raising public awareness of the hazards involved with drinking and driving. Participating law enforcement agencies include police departments from the cities of Cloverdale, Cotati, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Sonoma and Windsor; the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department; Sonoma State University Police Department and the Santa Rosa Junior College Police Department; and the California Highway Patrol.

This holiday season, the “Avoid the 13” efforts will begin starting Monday, December 17 and run through Monday, January 3. Efforts to eliminate drinking and driving will consist of increased DUI checkpoints plus two extra police officers on duty specifically to enforce DUI-related crimes.

If you’re out celebrating, be sure to appoint a designated driver and travel safely. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season from All-Pro!

http://www.sonomanews.com/news/article_43e987f8-0ca5-11e0-8c15-001cc4c03286.html