DUI Checkpoints Planned In 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 Thursday night, including in the 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.

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

Thursday

• Olympic Boulevard and Orme Avenue in Boyle Heights

Friday

• Crenshaw Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard

Saturday

• Reseda Boulevard and Vanowen Street in Reseda
• Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Marylee Street in Woodland Hills

Sunday

• Figueroa Street and Laconia Boulevard in South Los Angeles

The LAPD will also conduct a DUI saturation patrol in Van Nuys from 5 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday.