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Santa Rosa State Assemblyman Wants To Regulate DUI Checkpoints

SANTA ROSA (KCBS) -- A bill to regulate driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoints passed the State Assembly Friday. Assemblyman Michael Allen D-Santa Rosa introduced AB1389 which requires police give 48 hours notice of the checkpoint's general location.

The bill would prohibit law enforcement from doing drivers license, warrants or probation checks on contacts at a DUI check point.

Assemblyman Allen calls the checkpoints "fishing expeditions" and that most of them are set up to catch people coming out of the bars in the evening and others were being set up in front of stores in minority communities.

KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:

"We want to make sure existing law enforcement resources are maximized to catch impaired drivers and that they're not setting up checkpoints that are calculated to serve other purposes," said Allen.

Advocates have said some cities make money by impounding vehicles that often belong to illegal immigrants who can't get licenses. This bill would also prohibit impoundments if someone picks up an unlicensed driver and the car.

Daniel Fox with the District Attorney's Association is opposed to the bill and says it creates safe zones.

"It really loosens up the ability of police officers to get unsafe drivers off the road," said Fox.

The bill is also opposed by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers because according to them, it restricts law enforcement.

The 51-19 vote passed the Assembly and the bill now goes to the Senate.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

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