The Garland Police Department will start increased DWI patrols Saturday, June 27, and will run them through Tuesday, July 7.
The added DWI patrols are for the Impaired Driver Mobilization project that is funded through a TXDOT grant program. The program targets DWI along with Driving Under the Influence by Minors. The 11-day specialized patrols will be active in the nighttime hours and will utilize marked and unmarked police cars.
So far in 2015, GPD has recorded 194 alcohol related driving arrests of either DWI or DUI Minor.
Convicted first-time DWI offenders can pay a fine of up to $2,000, lose their driver’s license for up to a year and serve 180 days in jail. Safety officials say other costs associated with an impaired driving arrest and conviction can add up to more than $17,000 for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court-ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases and other expenses.