In an attempt to counter drunk driving, law enforcements in most states often set up dui checkpoints, which are sometimes also referred to as sobriety roadblocks. If you get a ticket at one of these checkpoints, you may seek the services of a traffic ticket attorney or a speeding ticket lawyer. As per the Supreme Court of the United States of America, such checkpoints are quite legal and minimally invasive. Still, if you are eager to get home or are getting late for a meeting and if you are stopped for sobriety testing, the inconvenience thus caused to you is undoubtedly subjective. Therefore, the best way to avoid such inconvenience is to find out if there are such checkpoints in your area also.
Watch The News On Television
As per the laws in the United States of America, it is mandatory for the law enforcement agencies to make an announcement before the event, disclosing the location or locations of dui checkpoints. News channels usually report such events in advance for the convenience of the general public. You can watch the news about it on television every morning and evening.
Read About It In Your Local Newspaper
Another effective way to get informed about sobriety roadblocks in advance is by reading announcements by law enforcements in your area in your local daily newspapers. Many newspapers have a dedicated section for this, but sometimes you can find the news in other sections also. It is also important for you to keep in mind that the news may also get published under alternative headings, such as dwi roadblocks, dwi checkpoints, or dui roadblocks.
Visit The Online Road Block Registry
You can also find news about dui checkpoints in your area on official websites of law enforcement agencies, such as the Road Block Registry, which is a dedicated online resource to inform the general public about the notices of sobriety roadblocks. You can find complete details here, including the time, the date, and the locations where such roadblocks are scheduled.
Give A Phone Call To Your Local Law Enforcement Agency
If you do not have much time to do all the research on television news, daily newspapers, or online resources, the best alternative is to give a phone call directly to the law enforcement agency in your area. Ask them if there are any dui checkpoints scheduled; If yes, when and where. However, it is entirely up to them to disclose or not to disclose such information. Still, it never hurts to ask.
Generally, sobriety roadblocks are scheduled between 9 pm and 2 am because it is during these hours when most people are not at work and the bars are open. It is also important to note that the US laws have provided you certain legal rights in this regard. For example, if you are getting late for work or just want to avoid such checkpoints, you can take the U-turn (if available) and drive in other direction. But, if you must face dui checkpoints, make sure you have all the papers available with you (such as insurance, registration, and driver’s license); it will make the process easier and faster.