How to Survive a Sobriety Checkpoint

The use of sobriety checkpoints is a well-established police tactic designed to get intoxicated drivers off the roads. You are more likely to see a checkpoint around holidays and other special events where people tend to drink and drive more – i.e. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day. 

The constitutionality of these checkpoints was upheld by the United States Supreme Court in a 1990 case, Michigan Department of State Police v. Sitz. While effective at catching intoxicated drivers, there is a chance of police overreach in these situations. Follow these tips to get through a sobriety checkpoint without incident.

• Don’t drive while intoxicated.
• Don’t run! If you turn off or execute a U-turn to avoid a checkpoint, odds are you will be pulled over. 
• Make sure your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance are valid. 
• Never travel with an open container of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia in your vehicle. 
• Be polite and respectful to the officers at the checkpoint. 
• Remind your passengers that as the driver, you are responsible and will do the talking. You do not want a disrespectful passenger making things worse. 
• Politely decline to answer any incriminating questions the officer asks. You have the right to an attorney and should exercise it.