LONG BEACH, Calif. — The Long Beach Police Department announced it will conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the East Division area.
Police said checkpoint locations are selected using data that highlights areas with a history of impaired driving crashes. The goal is to enhance public safety by identifying and removing drivers suspected of being under the influence.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Commander Jeremy Boshnack said in a statement. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
Authorities emphasized that impairment goes beyond alcohol. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as marijuana — whether used for medicinal or recreational purposes — can affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal.
According to police, a first-time DUI arrest can result in fines and penalties averaging $13,500, in addition to a suspended driver’s license.
The checkpoint is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.