LAPD regularly conducts DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout the city. As we have discussed on our DUI blog, in both part 1 and part 2, DUI checkpoints, also known as sobriety checkpoints, are locations where law enforcement officers are stationed to check drivers for signs of intoxication or impairment. LAPD uses DUI checkpoints as part of its campaign to prevent, deter, and educate the public about the dangers of drunk driving. The number of checkpoints is often increased during holidays or "drinking" days, such as St. Patrick's Day. For example, LAPD announced the following DUI checkpoint schedule for this week, which began yesterday on St. Patrick's Day.
Tuesday, March 17
- checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Roscoe Boulevard (Valley)
- checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at North Santa Monica Blvd. and Crescent Drive (Beverly Hills Police Department)
- saturation patrol from 3 to 11 p.m. in Hollywood Division (city)
- saturation patrol from 3 to 11 p.m. in Pacific Division (Del Rey, Manchester Square, Mar Vista, Oakwood, Palms, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Venice, Westchester)
Wednesday, March 18
- saturation patrol from 4 p.m. to midnight in Newton Division (Fashion District, Pueblo Del Rio, South Park)
Thursday, March 19
- checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Olympic Boulevard and Orme Avenue in Boyle Heights (East LA area)
- checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue in Westwood (near UCLA)
Friday, March 20
- checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Hyperion Avenue and Valley Brink Road in Atwater Village
- checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at La Brea Avenue and Oakwood Avenue in the Fairfax District
Saturday, March 21
- checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Ventura Boulevard and Columbus Avenue in Sherman Oaks
Sunday, March 22
- checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. at Florence Boulevard and Central Avenue in South Los Angeles
- saturation patrol from noon to 8 p.m. in Foothill Division (La Tuna Canyon, Lake View Terrace, Pacoima, Shadow Hills, Sun Valley, Sunland, Tujunga)
Although checkpoint locations are announced in advance, it is not always done so more than a couple of days ahead of time, and sometimes it can be only a matter of hours. One of the goals of providing advance notice of checkpoints is to deter people from drinking and driving, and to encourage people to use alternate transportation (Waymo, Uber, Lyft, or LA Metro).
More information is available about DUI checkpoints here on our website. If you have been arrested after being stopped at a DUI checkpoint, submit our CONTACT form today and request a consultation with Los Angeles DUI lawyer Robert Berglund.
