Most drunk driving arrests happen when police observe evidence of impairment and pull over the car. For instance, they may see a driver straddling the centerline or driving without headlights at night. Once the officer makes the stop, they may smell alcohol or recognize signs of impairment during their conversation and make an arrest.
Another tactic police sometimes use is setting up a sobriety checkpoint. This gives them a chance to briefly interact with all drivers on a specific road, pulling aside any who may appear impaired.
Naturally, some drivers may want to avoid these checkpoints and avoid interacting with the police, even if they are sober. If you see one on the road ahead of you, are you allowed to avoid it?
You can do so legally
Yes, you are not obligated to drive through a sobriety checkpoint. In fact, police are often required to notify motorists in advance about where these checkpoints will be located, allowing drivers to choose a different route if they prefer.
The key is to ensure you avoid the checkpoint legally. If you break traffic laws—such as making an illegal U-turn in the middle of the road—the police will have a reason to stop your vehicle. However, if you simply put on your turn signal and make a legal turn onto a side street, the police cannot stop you just for bypassing the checkpoint.
If you find yourself facing DUI charges or other serious criminal allegations, be sure you understand all the defense options at your disposal. A conviction could have a major impact on your future, so you must know what legal steps to take.
