DUI Checkpoint Planned For West San Fernando Valley 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, including in the west San Fernando Valley.

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.

Friday

• DUI checkpoint, 6 to 11 p.m. at Vanowen Street and Canoga Avenue in Canoga Park
• DUI checkpoint, 6 to 11 p.m. at Pacific Coast Highway and Eubank Avenue in Wilmington

Saturday

• DUI saturation patrol from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Rampart Area (including Silver Lake, Echo Park, Pico-Union and Westlake)
• DUI checkpoint, 6 to 11 p.m. at Imperial Highway and Main Street, immediately south of LAX