Los Angeles Police Department to Conduct DUI Checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols NA23020am

Friday, February 24
DUI Saturation Patrol from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M. in Newton Area
DUI Checkpoint from 6 P.M. to 11 P.M. at Vanowen Street and Laurelgrove Avenue
DUI Checkpoint from 6 P.M. to 11 P.M. at Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and Figueroa Street
DUI Checkpoint from 6 P.M. to 11 P.M. Venice Boulevard and David Avenue

Saturday, February 25
DUI Checkpoint from 6 P.M. to 11 P.M. at Slauson Avenue and Figueroa Avenue

Sunday, February 26
DUI Saturation Patrol from 12 P.M. to 8 P.M. in 77^th Street Area

Note:   Locations of the checkpoints are subject to change or cancelation.

The DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by educating drivers on the perils of DUI and by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

Commander Valenzuela, Commanding Officer of Traffic Group stated, “Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk.  Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

The Los Angeles Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol.  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.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.