'420 Marijuana Holiday' Crackdown Underway By Temecula CHP

TEMECULA, CA — The Temecula California Highway Patrol Office has ramped up for April 20 — a date some people link to a "marijuana holiday."

There are many rumors and hypotheses about what started the "420" nomenclature, but the CHP said whatever the origin the agency will be escalating enforcement efforts on Tuesday, April 20, looking for cannabis users who drive high.

"Cannabis, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs all can impair driving. Driving is a complex task, and any drug can slow reaction time," a CHP news release stated. "Alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to an arrest for driving under the influence."

Anyone who sees an impaired motorist is asked to call 9-1-1 to provide a vehicle description, location, license plate number, and direction of travel.

Funding for the 420 crackdown was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With the grant funding, the CHP will continue to deploy additional enforcement efforts through September 30, 2021, the law enforcement agency said.

Those arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can spend time in jail and pay up to $13,500, including fines, fees, classes, license suspensions and other expenses.

The Temecula Area CHP patrols Southwest Riverside County.