Fresno Police to Conduct DUI Patrols This Weekend

Fines and penalties for first-time offenders can reach $13,500 with a suspended license.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:33pm

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An extreme close-up of a car key and ignition switch lit by a harsh, direct flash, conveying the serious consequences of drunk driving in a gritty, investigative aesthetic.A stark reminder of the legal and financial penalties for driving under the influence in Fresno.Fresno Today

The Fresno Police Department has announced they will be conducting DUI patrols on Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. Drivers caught driving under the influence can face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. Police are also reminding the public that driving under the influence of marijuana, even if it is legally obtained, is still illegal.

Why it matters

Impaired driving continues to be a major public safety issue, with significant legal and financial consequences for offenders. Fresno has seen an increase in DUI incidents in recent years, making these targeted patrols an important part of the city's efforts to crack down on drunk and drugged driving.

The details

The DUI patrols are being funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Police are urging drivers to be responsible and follow all laws and regulations around the use of substances that can impair driving ability, including marijuana.

  • The DUI patrols will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The players

Fresno Police Department

The local law enforcement agency responsible for conducting the DUI patrols and enforcing impaired driving laws in Fresno, California.

California Office of Traffic Safety

The state agency that provided grant funding for the Fresno Police Department's DUI patrol program.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The federal agency that works with state and local law enforcement to promote traffic safety and combat impaired driving.

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What’s next

The Fresno Police Department will continue to monitor traffic and conduct additional DUI patrols in the coming months as part of their ongoing efforts to keep the roads safe.

The takeaway

This DUI patrol operation is a reminder that law enforcement takes impaired driving very seriously, with significant legal and financial consequences for those who choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. Residents should plan ahead and find alternative transportation options to avoid the risks and penalties associated with drunk or drugged driving.