Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming soon and, according to the statistics, these are the two holidays when you are most likely to run into DUI checkpoints around the Annapolis area. Many people will be taking the opportunity during the holidays to have a drink or two during their time off from work, celebrating with friends and family in the time-honored tradition of sharing a toast with an alcoholic beverage. In these situations, to avoid a run-in with the law, the best way to avoid a problem is to avoid drinking or have someone else – such as a cab or a designated driver – do the driving. However, if you do find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, even after one single drink, there are some things you should know beforehand.
Why DUI Checkpoints in Annapolis
In cities across the U.S. a major cause of traffic accidents, injuries and fatalities is drunk driving. Authorities are continually on the lookout for individuals “driving under the influence” but in most instances, are required to first have a primary reason to pull over a driver before scrutinizing him/her regarding their sobriety. DUI checkpoints, however, give police the ability to check you out for no reason other than the fact that you’ve driven up to one of their roadblocks. These are known as “suspicionless” traffic stops. You’ve committed no traffic infraction causing you to be pulled over, but rather have simply stumbled into a scenario set up by the authorities in an effort to have drunk drivers come to them without having to chase them down.
How to Handle DUI Checkpoints in Annapolis
In Maryland, DUI checkpoints must be conducted according to specific rules set out by the law and some of these may surprise you.
1. These checkpoints can only be conducted by uniformed officers in police vehicles and drivers must be pulled over in a previously determined, random pattern.
2. The DUI checkpoint be clearly advertised by means such as posted signs, but the authorities cannot compel you to participate. Authorities must provide you with the ability to turn your vehicle around to avoid going through the checkpoint.
3. Checkpoint locations must be publicly announced in advance of their implementation. You should be able to easily find out where holiday DUI checkpoints in Annapolis will be set up by checking in the local newspaper, going online or calling a police or community service phone number featuring a prerecorded message providing these details.
If you do happen to find yourself caught in a DUI checkpoint, especially if you’ve had any alcohol to drink, remember you’re not required to do everything an officer tells you to do. You cannot be compelled to answer any questions without first being able to confer with legal counsel. If asked to see your license and registration these can simply be passed out the top of your car window that you’ve rolled down an inch or so.
The Bottom Line
We already discussed the best method for avoiding trouble, which is to avoid driving after drinking alcohol. However, the next best defense is to avoid participating in a DUI checkpoint, which means turning around as soon as you see evidence that a checkpoint is coming up. Authorities are not permitted to detain you for doing this.
