Photo: SoCalShooter / E+ / Getty Images
PARAMOUNT (CNS) - Motorists planning to engage in recreational drinking or drugs this weekend in Paramount should avoid being on the road as law enforcement will be conducting a DUI checkpoint in the area, authorities announced Wednesday.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the checkpoint will begin Friday at 6 p.m. and continue until Saturday at 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location.
"The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road," sheriff's officials said in a statement.
Impaired driving is not only limited to driving under the influence of alcohol. Marijuana and several prescription medications and over-the- counter drugs may also interfere with operating a vehicle.
Although medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal in California, driving under the influence of pot is illegal.
First-time DUI offenders could face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and perhaps have their licenses suspended.