DUI Checkpoints Planned Across Los Angeles This Weekend

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Police Department will ramp up drunken-driving enforcement this weekend with a series of DUI checkpoints and extra patrols across the city beginning Thursday night.

The DUI checkpoint locations target areas with a record of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests. Police will also be checking to ensure drivers are properly licensed, according to the LAPD.

"The Los Angeles Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol," department officials said in a written release. "Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal."

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, according to the LAPD.

The checkpoints and patrols will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. at the following locations:

Thursday

• DUI checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Riverside Drive in Valley Village

Friday

• DUI saturation patrol from 4 p.m. to midnight in the Newton Division area, southeast of the 10 and 110 freeway interchange
• DUI checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Figueroa Street and Laconia Boulevard in the Athens area
• DUI checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Avalon Boulevard and Opp Street in Wilmington

Saturday

• DUI saturation patrol from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the South Bureau area, which includes Florence
• DUI checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at De Soto Avenue and Bassett Street in Canoga Park