California has scrapped drunk driving laws for under the influence laws. Meaning it doesn't have to be alcohol, just under the influence of some kind of substance that reduces cognitive awarness.
The article itself doesn't make any sense. It supposes that police officers who are at inspection points would better serve the publicv if they were on patrol. It makes as much sense as the speeder who tells the officer giving him a ticket "Why aren't you out arresting REAL criminals".
The drunk driving checkpoints have greatly reduced the numbers of drunk drivers on the road.
Drunk drivers in the US have it easy compared to other countries.
Australia - Immediate loss of license for a minimum of six months if it is your first offense and a permanent loss for your second offense (source)
Canada - First offence: $1,000 fine, 1-year driving prohibition; second offence: 30 days jail, 2-year driving prohibition; third or subsequent offence: 120 days jail, 3-year driving prohibition (source)
Costa Rica - A fine of about $500, loss of license for 2 years, and possible confiscation of your car or even jail time (source)
El Salvador - Anyone with a BAC over 0.01 (which is effectively zero tolerance), automatic license suspension, seizure of your vehicle and probable fines (source)
England - Lose of license for a minimum 1 year (3 years for 2nd offence if within 10 years), substantial fine and possibility of up to 6 months imprisonment (source)
Finland - Drivers guilty of driving while intoxicated face a fine or imprisonment for up to two years (source)
France - Your car will be confiscated, three year loss of license, possibility of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine (source)
New Zealand - A fine of at least $1,000 and depending upon your age and BAC level, the lose of your license for at least three months (source)
Norway - Fines between 6,000 to 8,000 Norwegian krona, which is around $1,000 - $1,500 US dollars (source)
Russia - A first-time offender convicted of a DUI can have their license suspended for up to two years; In addition, knowingly allowing an intoxicated person to drive can get your license suspended; Refusing a field or chemical sobriety test can result in a fifteen day imprisonment (source)
Sweden - A BAC over 0.02 will result in fines based upon how much money you have in the bank, possibly have your car seize and sold off and being sent to an alcohol treatment program (source)
