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 Friday 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 at the following locations:

Friday

• Saturation patrol from 4 p.m. to midnight in the Central Area (downtown LA)
• Checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Van Nuys Boulevard and Vanowen Street in Van Nuys
• Checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Sunset Boulevard and Orange Grove Avenue in Hollywood
• Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Manchester Avenue and Figueroa Street in Vermont Knolls

Sunday

• Saturation Patrol from 3 to 11 p.m in the San Fernando Valley's Mission Area