A DUI checkpoint is a location where police officers ask each person driving through if they have had anything to drink recently and then make a determination regarding whether or not to examine the person further. DUI checkpoints can be anywhere along a public road but are commonly on the way out of downtown areas or bar districts. Since the consequences of driving drunk are so severe, it can be quite nerve-wracking to drive through one of these checkpoints.
What are some of the things that you should do and not do at a DUI checkpoint in Florida?
Do remain calm
Even if you have been drinking, it is important to remain as calm as possible to avoid further suspicion from law enforcement. Answer their questions briefly and refrain from becoming argumentative. Remember that at a DUI checkpoint, officers are either stopping every driver or a predetermined iteration of drivers, so they are not targeting you specifically.
Do not make an illegal U-turn
If you approach a DUI checkpoint, it might be tempting to make a U-turn to avoid having to speak with an officer. However, if making a U-turn is illegal along the road where officers are set up, then turning around gives them even more of a reason to pull you over, which is what you wanted to avoid in the first place.
By knowing what to do and what not to do when driving through a DUI checkpoint, you can help yourself to avoid getting in further trouble with law enforcement.
