Local police are planning a well-timed reminder that drunken driving in Lawrence can and should have consequences.

Today through Sept. 4, area police will provide extra enforcement of drunken driving laws as part of the state’s “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose.” program. Police agencies get additional federal money four times a year to step up drunken driving enforcement.

The current effort is timed to coincide with Labor Day, but in Lawrence it also matches up with the arrival of thousands of university students who are testing their limits away from home, some for the first time. It isn’t a bad time to remind them that even though they no longer are under the watchful eyes of their parents, local police are monitoring their drinking and driving behavior and won’t tolerate a combination of the two.

Checkpoints and saturation patrols are planned around the city this weekend. The stepped-up enforcement is a good reminder not only for students but for every local resident that getting behind the wheel after a drink or two or more may not be the best idea.