Police to Set up DUI Checkpoint Tonight

As part of its efforts to join law enforcement agencies throughout California in an anti-drunk-driving crackdown, the Redondo Beach Police Department will set up a DUI and driver's license checkpoint Friday night.

The checkpoint, which will be at an undisclosed location within the Redondo Beach city limits, will last from 7 p.m. Friday to 2:30 a.m. Saturday, according to a news release from the department.

"The end of summer and Labor Day weekend is traditionally a time to have fun," said Redondo Beach Police Chief Joe Leonardi in a statement. "Don’t let it turn into a time of tragedy or a jail visit by driving impaired by alcohol or drugs."

Specially trained officers will be at the checkpoints to detect drivers under the influence of alcohol as well as legal or illegal drugs, according to the news release. People caught driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested. 

"According to studies by insurance companies, a first time (DUI) conviction in California can cost more than $15,000," Leonardi said "Labor Day should not be the unfortunate reason to make you work more to pay these costs. We will be out looking for those making that unwise and dangerous choice."

During the 2011 Labor Day weekend, 138 people in Los Angeles County were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving drivers or motorcyclists with a .08 BAC or higher, according to the RBPD. Eighty-three percent of those fatalities occurred during the early evening and overnight.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Redondo Beach Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.