SAN DIEGO COUNTY — Law enforcement personnel throughout San Diego County conducted increased patrols for impaired drivers and other traffic violations from Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25, 2024. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office said deputies were specifically looking for drivers under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, or marijuana.

"From Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25, sheriff's deputies will be conducting increased patrols looking for impaired drivers. If you are caught driving impaired, you will go to jail," the San Diego County Sheriff's Office said. The agency added that an impaired driving arrest and conviction can cost more than $15,000 in legal and court fees.

Deputies also enforced seat belt laws during the Memorial Day weekend campaign. California has a primary seat belt law, which allows officers to issue citations for not wearing a seat belt without any other traffic violation. Officials reminded drivers about child passenger safety laws and urged parents to ensure children are secured in the proper car seat or booster seat. San Diego County Sheriff's deputies looked for vehicles where children were not secured in child safety seats.

The San Diego Police Department increased its presence at local beaches for the holiday weekend, including Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach. The impaired driving and seat belt enforcement operations were funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.