Eleven people were cited for various offenses during a Long Beach Police Department checkpoint, police said Tuesday.
Officers conducted the checkpoint from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday near Pacific Coast Highway and Channel Drive, where five motorists were cited for allegedly driving without a valid license or with a suspended or revoked license, and six others were cited for unspecified traffic violations, according to the LBPD.
A total of 1,305 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, with 441 drivers being stopped and screened.
“DUI/CDL checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI/CDL checkpoints is to promote public safety, increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking or driving, and deter impaired and unlicensed or suspended drivers,” police said in a statement.
Cmdr. Jeremy Boshnack said impaired drivers pose significant risks to others and any measures to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road improve traffic safety.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI offense could face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, which can result in a suspended license.
Police officials reminded the public that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol, and that several prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving.
Although medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal in the state, driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal.