DWI checkpoint coming to Parkway

New Jersey State Police will set up a sobriety checkpoint on the Garden State Parkway next weekend.

In a message on their Facebook page, NJ State police say they will set up the checkpoint at an undisclosed location in Monmouth County on March 7 between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. in an effort to reduce the number of crashes attributed to driving while intoxicated. 

State Police acknowledged that they were giving advanced warning to potential offenders, but said those who are going to drive while under the influence will do it anyway.

"People who choose to drive after drinking already know how expensive, life-changing, and deadly such a decision can be. But they do it anyway in total disregard for their safety and the safety of everyone else on the road," State Police said in a press release. "We’re assuming that their poor judgment will not impede our ability to take drunk drivers off the road just because of a little advance warning."

Under state law, a person is guilty of drunk driving if they are found to be driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08. You can be convicted of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor even when your BAC is below 0.08 percent as well. Penalties for a first offense include a fine of $250-$400, 30-day jail suspension and an insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for three years.

State Police say if drivers who see someone behind the wheel they believe poses a threat they should call #77 and be ready with a description of the vehicle, license plate and location and direction.