The sheriff’s traffic unit will be checking drivers for sobriety Friday night, but if you think driving outside the city limits will allow you to avoid a checkpoint, think again.

The California Highway Patrol Newhall area will conduct a DUI checkpoint in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County from 6:30 p.m. Friday and 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

Motorists approaching the checkpoint will see informational signs advising them of a sobriety checkpoint ahead. Once diverted into the lane, motorists will be detained only momentarily while an officer explains the purpose of the checkpoint.

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The goal of the DUI checkpoints are to create awareness among the motoring public, to deter people from driving under the influence and to keep the streets safe for all. Although checkpoints tend to reduce the number of drinking drivers on the road, the CHP will apprehend DUI drivers who fail to heed warnings. Even though arrest totals do not rise dramatically, the psychological influence a checkpoint has on the motoring public is invaluable.

Traffic volume permitting, all vehicles will be checked. If traffic volume becomes too heavy, vehicles to be checked will be selected by a pre-set standard, such as every fifth or tenth vehicle, in order to assure objectivity.