The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) will hold a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver license (DL) checkpoint in the south division patrol area on Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This area covers sections of Anaheim Street to Harbor Scenic Drive and the Los Angeles River to Cherry Avenue. This includes attractions like the Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach Arena, Queen Mary, Carnival Cruise Line Terminal, Shoreline Marina and the Downtown Entertainment District.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, according to a statement from LBPD. The primary purpose of DUI/CDL checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Commander Jeremy Boshnack said in a public statement. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
