{"id":910,"date":"2022-12-29T18:13:37","date_gmt":"2022-12-29T18:13:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/?p=910"},"modified":"2022-12-29T18:13:37","modified_gmt":"2022-12-29T18:13:37","slug":"what-to-do-when-youre-stopped-at-a-dui-checkpoint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/dui-tips\/what-to-do-when-youre-stopped-at-a-dui-checkpoint\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do When You\u2019re Stopped at a DUI Checkpoint\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_63add8946869d\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>DUI checkpoints are stressful for everyone. After a long day, the last thing you want to do is wait in line to talk to a police officer. And if you\u2019re already a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/sr-22-tips\/safety-tips-to-avoid-getting-an-sr-22\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">safe driver<\/a>, why do they need to stop you?<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>DUI roadblocks are designed to be random, which means most drivers are bound to encounter one sooner or later. Keep reading to learn more about how DUI checkpoints work and what to do when you\u2019re stopped at one.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2>Are DUI Checkpoints Legal?<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>It depends on where you live. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/dui-classes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DUI<\/a> checkpoints \u2014 also called sobriety checkpoints or DUI roadblocks \u2014 are legal in most states. But you won\u2019t find DUI checkpoints in these states:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Alaska<\/li>\n<li>Idaho<\/li>\n<li>Iowa<\/li>\n<li>Montana<\/li>\n<li>Michigan<\/li>\n<li>Minnesota<\/li>\n<li>Oregon<\/li>\n<li>Rhode Island<\/li>\n<li>Texas<\/li>\n<li>Washington<\/li>\n<li>Wisconsin<\/li>\n<li>Wyoming<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This isn\u2019t to say that these states are any more lenient on DUI laws. Getting caught driving drunk in any state will mean steep fines, license suspension, and even jail time. And in many states, you\u2019ll also need to file an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/sr-22\/what-is-an-sr-22-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SR-22<\/a> certificate of financial responsibility, which can raise your car insurance rates for years.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2>Can You Find Out Where a DUI Checkpoint Will Be?<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Each state that permits DUI checkpoints has its own laws about the purpose and frequency of a roadblock, as well as how visible they must be. A DUI checkpoint doesn\u2019t need to be completely disclosed ahead of time, but states are required to publish the date, timeframe, and reason for the roadblock.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For example, you may read that there will be a roadblock in your county next weekend, but you won\u2019t know exactly where the checkpoint will be located. Of course, there are some common-sense ways to guess where a checkpoint is most likely to be set up:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Around holidays that can involve heavy drinking (New Year\u2019s Eve, St. Patrick\u2019s Day, Independence Day, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Near bars, clubs, and areas where alcohol-related crashes have occurred before<\/li>\n<li>On major arterial roads and highways in your area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Even if you don\u2019t know exactly where and when to expect a DUI checkpoint, most states have regulations about clearly marking checkpoints so that you have the opportunity to exit the highway or turn around.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2>Can You Turn Around Before a DUI Checkpoint?<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In most cases, you\u2019re legally allowed to turn around before a checkpoint and take an alternate route. But while you can\u2019t be stopped simply for avoiding the checkpoint, you can still be pulled over for something else, like making an illegal U-turn or driving erratically. At that point, the police officer is within their right to have you take a sobriety test if they think you\u2019ve been drinking.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Not surprisingly, police officers will be suspicious of anyone trying to avoid a checkpoint and will pay close attention to your driving to find a reason to legally stop you.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section c-quote\" id=\"home-auto-quote-block_63add89c6869e\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-quote__img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/components\/quote\/pic1.svg\" alt=\"Someone shopping for a car, looking for quality and savings\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"112\" height=\"99\">\r\n        <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--small c-quote__title\">Find Cheap SR-22 Auto Insurance Quotes<\/h2>\r\n                <form class=\"c-quote__form js-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/quote\">\r\n            <div class=\"c-quote__item c-quote__item--zipcode\">\r\n                <input class=\"c-quote__input c-quote__input--center js-only-numbers js-valid-zipcode\" type=\"tel\"  name=\"zipcode\" placeholder=\"Zip Code\" aria-label=\"Zip Code\" maxlength=\"5\" required>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"c-quote__controls\">\r\n                <button class=\"c-button c-button--purple c-quote__button\" type=\"submit\">Get a quote<\/button>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"c-quote__powered\"> Powered by\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-quote__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/components\/quote\/freeway-logo.svg\" alt=\"Freeway Insurance Logo\" width=\"73\" height=\"18\">\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/form>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section \" id=\"general-content-block_63add8a46869f\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-section__content\">\r\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content s-cms-content--left\">\r\n                <h2>What Happens When You\u2019re Stopped at a DUI Checkpoint?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For most people, stopping at a DUI checkpoint lasts no more than a few minutes. A police officer will first look for obvious signs of intoxication such as visible open alcohol containers or the strong smell of alcohol on your breath (the exact <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/dui-laws-and-limits-by-state\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DUI laws vary by state).<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> You\u2019ll be asked a few simple questions to test your speech and mental coordination.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And that\u2019s it! If you don\u2019t appear to be drunk, then you\u2019ll be allowed to drive away.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the police do suspect that you\u2019ve been drinking too much, then they\u2019ll ask you to pull over for more in-depth questions and sobriety tests. At this point, you\u2019ll need to provide a valid license, car registration, and proof of insurance just like you would at a normal traffic stop.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, even if you test sober, you can still get in trouble if your license is expired or if you forgot to renew your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/insurance-facts\/what-happens-when-you-dont-get-sr-22-insurance\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">SR-22 insurance<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or let it lapse for any reason.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What to Do When You\u2019re Stopped at a DUI Checkpoint<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ideally, your time at a DUI roadblock will last only a few minutes. Be respectful and your experience should go smoothly.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are a few tips on what to do when you can\u2019t avoid a DUI checkpoint:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:480,&quot;335559991&quot;:480,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stop at the checkpoint.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If it\u2019s too late to legally avoid the DUI checkpoint, then slow down, come to a complete stop, and roll down your window to talk to the police officer. You should never drive through the checkpoint without stopping.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:36,&quot;335559739&quot;:36}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:480,&quot;335559991&quot;:480,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Always remain calm.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Whether or not you\u2019ve been drinking, acting confrontational or uncooperative will only make things worse.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:36,&quot;335559739&quot;:36}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:480,&quot;335559991&quot;:480,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t volunteer information.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Listen carefully to the police officer\u2019s questions and answer only what is explicitly asked of you. If you would rather not answer a question, remember that you have the right to say, \u201cI don\u2019t want to answer that.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:36,&quot;335559739&quot;:36}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:480,&quot;335559991&quot;:480,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Know your DUI rights.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> States set their laws about what counts as a legal traffic stop and sobriety test. For example, your case may get dismissed if the officer forgot to give the full instructions for a field test or if the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/dui-breathalyzer\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">breathalyzer<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> wasn\u2019t recently calibrated.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:36,&quot;335559739&quot;:36}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:480,&quot;335559991&quot;:480,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t consent to a search.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A police officer may ask if they can search your car. They know that they can\u2019t do so without your consent. You\u2019re legally entitled to withhold that consent. Note that police do have the right to search your vehicle if they have probable cause (for instance, noticing open alcohol containers, drug paraphernalia, or dangerous items like a gun) or if you\u2019re arrested at the scene.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:36,&quot;335559739&quot;:36}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:480,&quot;335559991&quot;:480,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Find a DUI attorney.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If you\u2019re arrested and charged with a DUI, find a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/why-you-need-a-dui-attorney\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DUI attorney<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> as soon as possible. These lawyers are specialists in local DUI regulations and will be able to tell if the police acted inappropriately at the checkpoint. And if you were driving drunk, they\u2019ll work with the courts to settle the charges.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:36,&quot;335559739&quot;:36}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>A New DUI Means New Car Insurance<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you were charged with a DUI, then you\u2019ll need SR-22 insurance to get your license back. At SR-22 Adviser, we help drivers around the country find the most affordable SR-22 insurance. All it takes is a few minutes for a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/quote-form\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">quote for cheap SR-22 insurance<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> from our partner.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:180,&quot;335559739&quot;:180}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-section c-opinion-banner\">\r\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper\">\r\n        <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__question js-opinion-banner-question\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--center c-opinion-banner__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/h2>\r\n            <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__content\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__controls\">\r\n                    <button class=\"c-opinion-banner__control c-opinion-banner__control--ok js-opinion-banner-control-ok\" aria-label=\"Yes, this article is helpful\">\r\n                        <span class=\"o-icon c-opinion-banner__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                                <title>Yes, this article is helpful<\/title>\r\n                                <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-thumbs-up\"><\/use>\r\n                            <\/svg><\/span>\r\n                    <\/button>\r\n                    <button class=\"c-opinion-banner__control c-opinion-banner__control--no-ok js-opinion-banner-control-no-ok\" aria-label=\"No, this article is wasn't helpful\">\r\n                        <span class=\"o-icon c-opinion-banner__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                                <title>No, this article is wasn&#8217;t helpful<\/title>\r\n                                <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-thumbs-down\"><\/use>\r\n                            <\/svg><\/span>\r\n                    <\/button>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__ok js-opinion-banner-ok\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--center c-opinion-banner__title\">Winner! Glad you enjoyed it.<\/h2>\r\n            <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__controls\">\r\n                <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__control c-opinion-banner__control--ok\">\r\n                    <span class=\"o-icon c-opinion-banner__icon\"><svg focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                            <title>Yes, this article is helpful<\/title>\r\n                            <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-thumbs-up\"><\/use>\r\n                        <\/svg><\/span>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"c-opinion-banner__no-ok js-opinion-banner-no-ok\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"c-section__title c-section__title--center c-opinion-banner__title\">Still have questions? Contact us for answers.<\/h2>\r\n            <div class=\"c-button__wrapper\">\r\n                <a class=\"c-button c-button--cyan\" href=\"tel:877-822-2049\">\r\n                    <span class=\"o-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" role=\"img\">\r\n                            <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-content\/themes\/sr22\/assets\/html\/images\/icons\/icons.svg#icon-phone\"><\/use>\r\n                        <\/svg><\/span>877-822-2049                <\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":911,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-910","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dui-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/910","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=910"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/910\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":912,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/910\/revisions\/912"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/911"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=910"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=910"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sr22adviser.com\/guidance-and-tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=910"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}