A driving under the influence checkpoint will be conducted in East Division area on Friday, the Long Beach Police Department announced Friday.
The security and identification stop will take place from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday, the department said.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Cmdr. Jeremy Boshnack said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking impaired drivers off the road, increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving, and serve a deterrent to potential impaired and unlicensed drivers.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, according to the LBPD.
The police department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. 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.