This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Plenty O' DUI Checkpoints Planned for St. Patrick's Day Weekend
Photo courtesy the Orange County Sheriff's Department
We warned you: It's going to be mighty hard (not to mention mighty stupid to try) to get away with driving drunk this St. Patrick's Day weekend. Revelers beware, and plan how you're going to get home from your celebrations safely.
For savvy designated drivers (or just motorists who need to use the streets Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights) all over the Southland, be aware that police will be out in full force, so plan your routes accordingly.
During this holiday, police, Sheriff, and CHP throughout Los Angeles County will be on high alert, cracking down on drunk drivers as part of its Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over public safety campaign, cautions the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
The LAPD has released information about several weekend checkpoints and patrols:
Friday, March 15, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
West Los Angeles: Santa Monica Boulevard at Carmelina Avenue
North Hollywood: Victory Boulevard at Bellingham Avenue
Los Angeles: Florence Avenue and Broadway
Hollywood: Highland Avenue and DeLongpre Avenue
Saturday, March 16
Los Angeles: Imperial Highway and Main Street, 6 p.m. to midnight
Sun Valley: Van Nuys Boulevard and Amboy Avenue, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Sunday, March 17
Saturation patrols will cover the following LAPD division areas:
Hollenbeck and Newton Divisions, 2 p.m to 10 p.m.
North Hollywood Division, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
77th Street Division, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Hollywood Division, 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Sponsored message
If your weekend finds you in Orange County, we know that authorities there are also going to be on high alert.
The Orange County DUI Task Force, which is comprised of 38 law enforcement agencies in Orange County, will be deploying special roving DUI patrols this St. Patrick’s Day weekend in several communities, looking to stop and arrest drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs. These DUI patrols are in addition to regularly scheduled patrol officers.
One announced checkpoint will take place at an undisclosed location in San Clemente Friday night from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Bottom line: Be smart! If you're headed out anywhere this weekend and become intoxicated, use a designated driver, take public transit, or call a cab.
For more on why the LAPD shares checkpoint schedules and locations with the media, see our 2010 interview with Chief Charlie Beck.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
