LAPD DUI Checkpoints Planned For the San Fernando Valley

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Police Department will be out in force to catch inebriated drivers over the weekend. The department will conduct a series of DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols Friday through Saturday.

The five checkpoint and saturation patrol locations, from the Topanga area to Manchester Avenue, are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests, according to the LAPD.

"The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired," the department said in a written statement.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Commander Pasos, Commanding Officer, Traffic Group, said. “We are still out there looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is still dangerous.”

The checkpoints and saturation patrols will take place in the following locations and times:

Friday

• DUI Saturation Patrol from 3 PM to 11 PM in Topanga Area
• DUI Checkpoint from 6 PM to 11 PM at Slauson Avenue and Verdun Avenue
• DUI Checkpoint from 6 PM to 11 PM at Manchester Avenue and Main Street

Saturday

• DUI Saturation Patrol from 6 PM to 2 AM in South Bureau
• DUI Checkpoint from 6 PM to 11 PM at Sherman Way and Independence Avenue

According to the LAPD, impaired driving can be caused by alcohol, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs.

"While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal," according to the LAPD. "Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license."