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 will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. at the following locations:

Thursday

• Olympic Boulevard and 110 Freeway in Downtown Los Angeles
• Slauson Avenue and 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles

Friday

• Pacific Coast Highway and Figueroa Street in Wilmington

Saturday

• Victory Boulevard and Babcock Avenue in North Hollywood
• Santa Monica Boulevard and Bronson Avenue in Hollywood

DUI saturation patrols will be in effect in South Los Angeles' Newton area on Saturday between 4 p.m. and 12 a.m., and in Central Los Angeles' Olympic area on Sunday between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.