Menifee Police Launch Thursday Night DUI Patrol

On Thursday, Oct. 17, Menifee police officers will be cruising the city’s streets from about 5 p.m. until 1 a.m., on the lookout for drivers who might be under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, over‑the‑counter meds, or even legal marijuana.

“DUIs are 100 % preventable,” Sgt. Dan Beare told reporters, his tone a mix of caution and concern. “When someone decides to drive while impaired, it can have lifelong consequences—not just for the driver, but for families, friends, and anyone else on the road.”

If you’re planning a night out, the department’s advice is simple: stay put if you’ve been drinking, or if you’ve taken any medication that could cloud your judgment. The law treats every form of impairment seriously, and a conviction can bring fines up to $13,500, plus a possible license suspension.

While California has legalized medicinal and recreational marijuana, it’s still illegal to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by it. The same rule applies to a cocktail of prescription pills or even certain over‑the‑counter remedies that can sap reaction time.

This operation isn’t a one‑off stunt. Funding comes from a grant awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, which in turn receives support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The goal? To cut down impaired‑driving crashes and keep the community safe.

So, if you’re headed out Thursday, think ahead. Designate a driver, call a rideshare, or simply wait until you’re sober. The streets will be watched, and the message is clear: impaired driving won’t be tolerated.