DUI Checkpoints Planned Across Los Angeles This Week

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 Wednesday night.

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:

Wednesday, April 1

• saturation patrol from 4 p.m. to midnight in Rampart Division (Angelino Heights, Echo Park, Historic Filipinotown, Lafayette Park, MacArthur Park, Pico-Union, Temple-Beaudry, Virgil Village, Westlake)

Thursday, April 2

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Slauson Avenue and the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Santa Monica Boulevard and Bronson Avenue in Hollywood

Friday, April 3

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Sawtelle and National boulevards (just west of the 405 Freeway) in Mar Vista
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Pacific Coast Highway and Frigate Street (just east of the 110 Freeway) in Wilmington
• saturation patrol from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the Figueroa Corridor (Gage Avenue to 107th Street)

Saturday, April 4

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Victory Boulevard and Babcock Avenue in Valley Glen
• saturation patrol from 3 to 11 p.m. in Harbor Division (Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, San Pedro, Terminal Island, Wilmington)