BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- On Wednesday the Bakersfield Police Department Traffic Enforcement Detail conducted a DUI / Drivers License Checkpoint in the 300 Blk. of Golden State Ave. between the hours of 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.

As a result of this enforcement, a total of 719 vehicles passed through the checkpoint; 502 of those vehicles were screened by officers; 55 vehicles were impounded; 41 motorists were issued citations for unlicensed driver; 12 motorists were issued citations for driving on a suspended/revoked drivers license; 8 motorists were issued citations for miscellaneous vehicle code violations; 11 motorists were asked to perform field sobriety tests to determine their level of intoxication; of the 11 motorists asked to perform these tests, one was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI.

Police said that one driver was arrested on an outstanding felony warrant, one on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and one adult male was arrested for public intoxication.

The California Highway Patrol said that a total of 12 people were arrested on DUI charges on two vehicles were impounded as a result of unlicensed drivers.

This DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint was in an effort to reduce the number of persons injured or killed on this St. Patrick’s Day celebration each year in DUI related collisions.

A major component of this enforcement event is to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage sober designated drivers.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.