DUI Checkpoint Planned In Long Beach This Week

LONG BEACH, CA — The Long Beach Police Department will hold a driving under the influence checkpoint in the North Division area Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., police announced Wednesday.

The location is “based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes,” police said, adding that DUI checkpoints are held to “promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.”

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Commander Jeremy Boshnack said in a written statement. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol, according to police. Drivers taking certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs may also become impaired.

“While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal," police said.

Drivers facing a DUI charge for the first time “face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license,” according to police.