SHERMAN OAKS— Sobriety and driver’s license checkpoints are to take place this weekend starting Friday, December 9 according to an LAPD news release.  The first checkpoint, running from 8pm to 2am, will be located near Hollywood Boulevard between the intersections of Gower Street and Bronson Avenue in Los Angeles.  A second checkpoint will take place Saturday night from 8pm to 2am near Ventura Boulevard between the intersections of Noble and Bronson Avenues in Sherman Oaks.  The third and last checkpoint will consist of a DUI Saturation Patrol and take place on Sunday evening from 12pm to 8pm somewhere in the Northeast area which includes Los Feliz east of Notingham Drive.  A DUI Saturation Patrol is a large group of officers that are concentrated into a small geographic area in order to deter crime.

A 2010 DUI checkpoint in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Gabriel Dorman's Law Office.

During the checkpoints this weekend, officers will be looking for drivers passing through that are showing signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment.  A check for valid drivers’ licenses will also be conducted by officers.  Motorists should expect only a minor delay while passing through the checkpoints. 

The news release goes on to state that any driver caught driving under the influence can expect jail, license suspension and insurance increases in addition to fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.  According to police, sobriety checkpoints are a proven enforcement tool as they are effective in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes.

Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety, commented in the news release on the importance of reducing alcohol and drug related fatalities.

“Deaths from drunk and drug-impaired driving are going down in California,” said Murphy.  “But that still means that hundreds of our friends, family and co-workers are killed each year, along with tens of thousands who are seriously injured. We must all continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies.  If you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.” 

Funding for the LAPD checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

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