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 15

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

Thursday, April 16

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Pico Boulevard and Union Avenue in Pico-Union

Friday, April 17

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Lincoln Boulevard and Maxella Avenue in Del Rey
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at at Century Boulevard and Western Avenue in Gramercy Park
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Sepulveda Boulevard and Devonshire Street in Mission Hills
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Western Avenue and Venice Boulevard in Harvard Heights

Saturday, April 18

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Sunset Boulevard and Coronado Street in Echo Park

Sunday, April 19

• saturation patrol from 4 to 11 p.m. at Manchester Avenue and Avalon Boulevard in South LA
• saturation patrol from 4 p.m. to midnight in 77th / Southeast Division
• saturation patrol from noon to 8 p.m. in Devonshire Division (Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Northridge, Porter Ranch)