DUI Checkpoint Planned In Northeast LA 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 Northeast Los Angeles.

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, March 12

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Central Avenue and Gage Boulevard in South Los Angeles
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at La Brea Avenue and Rosewood Avenue in the Fairfax District

Friday, March 13

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Eagle Rock Boulevard and El Paso Drive in Glassell Park
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Roscoe Boulevard and Haskell Avenue in Van Nuys
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Venice Boulevard and Walgrove Avenue in Venice

Sunday, March 15

• saturation Patrol from noon to 8 p.m. in Van Nuys Area
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Pacific Avenue and 10th Street in San Pedro