DUI Checkpoints Planned In SFV 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, including in the San Fernando Valley.

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, March 25

• saturation patrol from 4 p.m. to midnight in Central Division (Downtown Los Angeles, Chinatown, Little Tokyo)

Thursday, March 26

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Alameda and 2nd Street in Little Tokyo

Friday, March 27

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Nordhoff Street and Woodley Avenue in North Hills
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Western Avenue and Venice Boulevard in Harvard Heights

Sunday, March 29

• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Figueroa Street and Laconia Boulevard in Harbor Gateway
• checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Marylee Street in Woodland Hills