Civil Liberties

LA to Add Oral Swabs to DUI Checkpoints

Fourth Amendment? Is that some kind of a punk band?

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Starting this weekend, law enforcement in Los Angeles will begin expanded use of saliva swab test kits on drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. The change comes just in time for New Year's Eve celebrations.

The testing is already used at some LAPD DUI checkpoints and at three stations that have jails. A $520,000 grant awarded to the L.A. City Attorney's Office will expand the regular use of the test next year.

 "Using drugs and driving is a combination that won't be tolerated in this city," said L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer.