LAPD Will Be On The Lookout For Drunken Drivers On The Westside 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.

That includes two days of saturation patrols in coastal Westside communities including 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, September 18

• checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Tampa Avenue and Nordhoff Street in Northridge
• checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Olympic Boulevard and Orme Avenue in Boyle Heights

Friday, Sept. 19

• checkpoint 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Florence Boulevard and Main Street in South Los Angeles
• checkpoint 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at La Brea Avenue and Oakwood Avenue in Hancock Park

Saturday, Sept. 20

• saturation patrol from noon to 8 p.m. in Pacific Area (Del Rey, Mar Vista, Oakwood, Palms, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Venice and Westchester)

Sunday, Sept. 21

• checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Olympic Boulevard and Georgia Street in downtown Los Angeles
• checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Venice Boulevard and Western Avenue in Harvard Heights
• saturation patrol from noon to 8 p.m. in Van Nuys Area

Monday, Sept. 22

• checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Riverside Drive in North Hollywood
• saturation from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. in Pacific Area (Del Rey, Mar Vista, Oakwood, Palms, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Venice and Westchester)