LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is planning to conduct a DUI checkpoint on Friday.
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 LASD.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sergeant Michael Lennig said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
Authorities also noted that driving can be impaired by substances other than alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal, the LASD said.
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 LASD.
Sheriff’s officials did not reveal where in the county the checkpoint will be located. It will occur from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday.
The Sheriff’s Department has jurisdiction over unincorporated areas as well as some cities in the county. Its patrol areas include Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Santa Clarita, La Cañada Flintridge, West Hollywood, Altadena, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Marina del Rey, East Los Angeles, as well as wide swaths of the San Gabriel Valley and Southeast LA County.