

The officer will approach the driver and evaluate for signs of impairment and either release the vehicle or divert the vehicle to a screening area.Often the checkpoint will be visible by orange cones and uniformed officers directing traffic.You should not be arrested for avoiding a DUI Checkpoint.Is the intrusion on the motorist slight?.Does the checkpoint advance the state interest, have proper guidelines, and limit police discretion to select what vehicles to stop?.Is there a government interest, for example preventing drunk driving accidents?.The court determined that for the DUI checkpoint to be constitutional, the court must balance the following factors: The motorist should only be detained for a minimal length of time. The Supreme Court provided guidelines for states to apply during these checkpoints. Sitz, decided DUI checkpoints do not violate a person’s Fourth Amendment protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. Supreme Court in Michigan Department of State Police v. Just last year, a third of all traffic fatalities involved an impaired driver.”Ĭonstitutionality of Vehicle and DUI Checkpoints Using a mix of all three components is key to further reducing fatalities.

“By raising awareness of checkpoints the perceived risk of arrest increases and also provides another opportunity to educate people on the dangers of impaired driving. The principal benefit of a sobriety checkpoint is the deterrent effect on potentially impaired drivers,” said Trooper Brad Sellers of the Ohio Highway Patrol.

“Sobriety checkpoints are used to complement enforcement efforts in reducing alcohol-related crash fatalities and injuries. Investigations show that in Ohio, vehicle checkpoints primarily issue citations for suspended licenses, but also cover more serious offenses including driving under the influence. The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that DUI checkpoints are legal. In Ohio, a DUI or OVI offense refers to Operating a Vehicle under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs.
