What typically takes place during a DUI checkpoint?

During a DUI checkpoint, officers conduct checks on drivers to assess their level of intoxication. This typically involves stopping vehicles at a designated location to perform brief assessments of drivers' sobriety. Officers may engage in visual inspections of drivers to observe behavior and may also conduct field sobriety tests if there are signs of impairment. The goal is to identify and deter impaired driving, as well as to ensure overall roadway safety.

While it’s true that officers can arrest individuals who exhibit clear signs of intoxication during these checkpoints, immediate arrests are not the initial focus of the operation. The process begins with non-invasive checks. Vehicles may be detained for sobriety testing if officers have reasonable suspicion of impairment, but impounding vehicles requires adherence to specific legal justification that isn’t automatically applied at checkpoints. As such, allowing only licensed drivers to pass does not accurately reflect the primary function of DUI checkpoints, which is centered on assessing sobriety rather than restricting access based solely on licensing.