Two people were arrested for driving under the influence and 27 others were cited during a DUI checkpoint in Rancho Mirage on January 23, 2026, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
The checkpoint took place at Highway 111 and Library Way from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. During this period, deputies contacted 974 vehicles. Of these, 51 vehicles underwent secondary screening and six field sobriety tests were administered.
Seventeen individuals received citations for being unlicensed drivers, while two were cited for having suspended driver licenses. An additional eight citations were issued for other traffic violations.
According to the department, “DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads.”
The program was funded through a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety Grant Program.
For further information about this incident, media representatives are directed to contact the Media Information Bureau. Those interested in employment opportunities with the department can visit joinrso.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD.
