The WeHo Times reports that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department recently announced it will be conducting a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location in West Hollywood this coming Friday.
A spokesperson for the law enforcement agency said that the DUI checkpoint will be conducted from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department also said that in addition to removing those under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs from our streets and highways, the purpose of announcing the checkpoints in advance is to raise public awareness about the hazards of drinking while intoxicated and to encourage sober, designated drivers.
The LACSD conducted a DUI checkpoint earlier this summer, on July 22. Sergeant Matthew Davis with the LACSD’s West Hollywood Station told reporters that of the 1,380 drivers who came through the checkpoint, 948 were screened. Two adults were arrested on suspicion of DUI and cited and released 9 additional drivers for other violations, including driving on a suspended or revoked license.
Authorities warn that a DUI citation is not just for those driving under the influence of alcohol. A driver can be cited and arrested for DUI while under the influence of marijuana, some prescription, and even over-the-counter drugs.
While both medical and recreational use of marijuana is legal in California, operating a motor vehicle under its influence is illegal. Even a first-time DUI arrest can cost an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and result in a suspended license for a year.
