The San Diego Police Department has secured a funding boost for its efforts to combat impaired driving. A $428,000 grant from the California Highway Patrol, using the state's Cannabis Tax Fund, targets DUI enforcement, public education, and acquisition of specialized equipment. The grant, covering the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, aims to reduce the number of drug-impaired drivers on the road and enhance overall traffic safety in San Diego.
As reported by InsideSanDiego, key components of this initiative include DUI Saturation Patrols, which will see an uptick in visible police enforcement. Alongside this heightened presence, education and outreach programs will strive to raise community awareness about the hazards of driving under the influence of cannabis and other substances. Furthermore, officers are set to receive improved tools for detecting and assessing drug-impaired drivers.
In a statement provided to InsideSanDiego, Sgt. Gregory Minter of the SPDP detailed the grant's objective. “This grant allows us to take a well-rounded approach to traffic safety," Minter explained. "By combining focused enforcement with officer training and community education, we can better protect our roadways and reduce the threat posed by impaired drivers.”
SPDP's funding is part of a greater $35 million statewide investment spearheaded by Governor Gavin Newsom to address impaired driving. Nearly 150 local agencies across California are set to benefit from the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program, as administered by CHP, which seeks to reduce the incidents of injuries and fatalities on roadways related to cannabis and other substance use.
