The Los Angeles Police Department will conduct DUI checkpoints and increase patrols in areas with a history of impaired driving incidents starting Wednesday night, aiming to reduce crashes and ensure drivers are properly licensed.
The Los Angeles Police Department is stepping up efforts to prevent impaired driving this week by scheduling a series of DUI checkpoints and deploying additional patrols throughout the city. The enforcement campaign begins Wednesday night and will focus on neighborhoods with a documented record of crashes and arrests related to impaired driving.
According to the LAPD, officers at these checkpoints will not only screen for alcohol impairment but will also check for drivers under the influence of drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications that may affect driving ability. Police will verify that all drivers are properly licensed as part of the operation.
Targeted Enforcement Locations
The planned checkpoints are strategically placed in areas identified through crash and arrest data as having higher rates of impaired driving incidents. While the department has not released the exact addresses, the focus will be on locations within the San Fernando Valley and other parts of Los Angeles where previous enforcement has shown a need for increased oversight.
Impaired Driving Laws and Public Reminder
The LAPD is reminding the public that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol consumption. The department notes that certain prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can also impair a person's ability to drive safely. Additionally, while both medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal in California, driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal and will be enforced during these operations.
These enforcement actions are part of ongoing efforts to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities caused by impaired driving. The department encourages residents to use designated drivers, rideshare services, or public transportation if they plan to consume substances that could impair their ability to drive.
DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols are commonly used by law enforcement agencies across California to deter impaired driving and catch violators before crashes occur. The LAPD regularly reviews crash data to determine where to deploy these resources for maximum community safety impact.
