DUI checkpoints are a common legal practice officers use to spot DUI offenders. These checkpoints take place randomly, usually on major roadways and late at night. In most cases, officers line both sides of the road and bring traffic to a stop to check licenses. As a driver, it can be intimidating to face a row of officers’ vehicles, asking to see your license. However, it’s best to remain calm and follow these tips for facing DUI checkpoints.
DUI Checkpoints: What to Do at a Stop
Go Through the Checkpoint
When coming up on DUI checkpoints, it’s important to go through the stop. Now, you may be thinking “well, obviously”. But when the time comes, you may want to consider turning around to avoid the stop. However, most DUI checkpoints have officers standing by, watching to for those attempting to dodge the stop. If they see you, they may stop you or follow you if you’ve already turned. Once this happens, they may take this as suspicious behavior and become more intensive with their stop.
Stay Calm
When facing DUI checkpoints, it’s important to stay calm. Officers are looking for signs of anything suspicious in your vehicle or any suspicious behavior. When we become nervous, we may start doing things out of character, like sweating, shaking, or stuttering. All of these behaviors can seem suspicious to a trained officer. So, it’s important to not be nervous and remember that this is a routine stop. You are not in trouble.
Get Out if Necessary
For the most part, DUI checkpoints consist of you showing your license, mumbling a few words, and moving on. However, if officers notice something suspicious, they may want to investigate further. In that case, it’s likely they’ll ask you to step out of your vehicle. Rather than contesting this, go ahead and comply. By refusing to get out of the vehicle, you can wind up in more trouble or facing a ticket for failing to comply.
Be Respectful
Yes, DUI checkpoints can be intimidating. Yes, they can be an annoyance you’d probably rather avoid. However, it’s still important to remain polite through the stop. Answer their appropriate questions and provide the right information, while remaining cooperative and nice. In fact, doing this will most likely keep the process running smoothly and put you on your way again quickly.