DUI Checkpoint Planned In Venice 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 one in Venice.

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 as follows:

Thursday, Sept. 4

• saturation patrol from 4 to 11 p.m. in Hollenbeck Area (Boyle Heights and nearby)
• saturation patrol from 4 to 11 p.m. in Olympic Area (Koreatown and Arlington Heights)
• checkpoint 6 to 11 p.m. at Roscoe Boulevard and Haskell Avenue in Van Nuys

Friday, Sept. 5

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Western Avenue and 8th Street in Koreatown
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Slauson Avenue and Figueroa Street in South LA
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Lincoln Boulevard and Maxella Avenue in Venice

Saturday, Sept. 6

• saturation patrol from 4 p.m. to midnight in Newton Area (Fashion District, Pueblo Del Rio, South Park)

Sunday, Sept. 7

• saturation patrol from noon to 8 p.m. in West Valley Area (Encino, Lake Balboa, Mandeville Canyon, Northridge, Reseda, Tarzana, Warner Center)
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Western Avenue and 39th Street in Exposition Park

Monday, Sept. 8

• saturation patrol from 3 to 11 p.m. in Olympic Area (Koreatown and Arlington Heights)