DUI checkpoint on U.S. 50 Friday

Northern Nevada law enforcement agencies are “Joining Forces” this Fourth of July to help ensure a safe holiday weekend.

On Friday afternoon and evening, police from Reno and Sparks, sheriff’s deputies from Washoe, Lyon and Douglas counties, and Nevada Highway Patrol troopers will organize a DUI roadblock on U.S. 50 in Douglas County.

Motorists passing through the checkpoint will be greeted by one of the law enforcement officers. People who show signs of alcohol and drug use will be directed to a secondary screening area for evaluation and field sobriety tests. Drivers who fail tests will be arrested for driving under the influence.

Officers will also look for other traffic laws being ignored or broken. That includes people not wearing seat belts, children not in car seats and people talking or texting on hand-held cell phones.

The initiative is paid for with a “Joining Forces” grant from the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.