DUI Checkpoints in Georgia

Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Georgia?

Although they may appear illegal to some, Georgia DUI checkpoints are completely legal, provided they follow strict requirements and guidelines.

The constitutionality of DUI checkpoints was questioned. It was considered that these checkpoints violate an individual’s constitutional rights (The Fourth Amendment) that protect citizens from unreasonable search and seizure.

However, in 1990, the United States Supreme Court, during the case of Michigan Department of State Police v. Sitz, ruled that DUI checkpoints were considered justified and lawful. Furthermore, the Court concluded that the cons of violating the Fourth Amendment are outweighed by the pros of preventing accidents due to drunk driving.

The State of Georgia and its Constitution went even further and provided even greater protection than the US Constitution. The Georgia Supreme Court has set certain requirements and laid down statutes that have to be followed for a DUI checkpoint to be considered legal.

How Effective Are DUI Checkpoints?

According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), many studies have found that sobriety roadblocks can be considered effective in reducing crashes involving alcohol as well as crash fatalities. For example, a 2013–2017 data analysis from the City of Los Angeles showed that alcohol-related accidents were reduced for about a week following roadside sobriety checkpoints.

However, it was noted that publicity is a highly significant factor. States with less publicity showed no reduction in fatalities compared to those with publicized enforcement demonstration programs. Also, it was stated that despite sobriety checkpoint effectiveness, only several states conduct them regularly due to the lack of funding.

Can Someone Refuse to Go Through a DUI Checkpoint?

Generally yes. A legal maneuver to avoid a police checkpoint is legitimate. Police can’t pull over a moving vehicle on a hunch that the departing driver refuses to wait due to driving under the influence.

However, making sudden illegal maneuvers on the road can give law enforcement officers a reason to chase down that driver and possibly arrest them. Also, it might be illegal to make a U-turn at that location.

In order to avoid DUI checkpoints, drivers may be better off using their turn signals and moving away slowly. It is also a wise idea to use a phone camera to capture everything that happens and any possible conversation with a police officer in case you are later accused of trying to avoid a DUI roadblock.

What Happens at Georgia DUI Checkpoints?

Knowing what to expect at a DUI or sobriety checkpoint can be useful. A police officer may ask for your documentation, such as a driver’s license, registration, or insurance. They may ask whether you had something to drink or where you are heading.

Law enforcement officers may ask drivers to conduct breath tests or field sobriety tests. It may be in their best interest to comply, assuming they are driving sober. Refusing may result in detainment and eventually DUI arrests.

What Is Considered a Legal Checkpoint?

But, in order for a Georgia DUI checkpoint to be legal, certain requirements must be met. For example, not any law enforcement officer can be stationed at a roadblock. These officers must be adequately trained in DUI detection, so they can quickly determine which drivers should be asked to do a sobriety test.

DUI checkpoint locations must be clearly marked so that drivers aren’t caught off guard, and officers must wear reflective clothing. For a driver to have a chance to avoid a DUI checkpoint, the signage must be far enough from the checkpoint.

Traffic flow should be minimally disrupted, as well as the location and time of the DUI checkpoint must be approved by a police supervisor authorized to approve it.

Other requirements can include the following:

• The purpose of a checkpoint has to be clear. It must be specified whether the checkpoint is to inspect driver’s licenses or look for impaired drivers.
• Every vehicle has to be stopped. Random checks aren’t considered lawful.
• A minimum of two officers must be stationed at a roadblock. An additional amount of personnel depends on the traffic around the DUI checkpoint to maintain a steady flow.

It’s important to remember that a sobriety checkpoint can’t be used for general crime detection. The purpose of the stop has to be to catch drunk drivers and decrease drunk driving.

If a police checkpoint doesn’t meet the required criteria, it must be considered illegal. If that is the case, any evidence officers collected on drunk driving offenses can’t be used. If you were charged with driving under the influence after going through what you believe was an illegal DUI checkpoint, seek immediate legal help from a skilled DUI attorney.

Do I Have to Answer Questions at a DUI Checkpoint in Georgia?

No, you don’t. If you want, you can remain silent. Nothing further than giving your name and address is necessary. Paragraph XVI of the Georgia Constitution allows you to remain silent and do nothing that may be self-incriminatory.

When Are DUI Checkpoints Common in Georgia?

Many Americans like to celebrate their holidays with a drink or two. So, it’s not a surprise that holidays such as Thanksgiving, Labor Day, July 4, and even Christmas are likely times of the year when you can expect a DUI roadblock.

DUI checkpoints are usually set up around midnight. However, there are exceptions – when UGA plays an afternoon football game, the checkpoint may start earlier, around 9 PM.

States where DUI Checkpoints Are Illegal

Sobriety checkpoints are currently used in 38 states and the District of Columbia. However, 12 states don’t use DUI roadblocks to fight impaired driving.

These states include Alaska, Texas, and Idaho. The reasons vary from lacking statutory authority to conduct checkpoints (Iowa) to checkpoints being prohibited by statute (Wisconsin). In Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Michigan, DUI checkpoints are illegal under the state constitution.

Arrested at a DUI Checkpoint? An Attorney Can Help

If you have been arrested at a DUI checkpoint, you have to bear in mind that the arrest doesn’t equal a conviction. There are many stages in a DUI court process between an arrest and a conviction. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney who knows the DUI process and how to challenge checkpoint cases can be helpful.

For more questions about a DUI checkpoint, contact Philip Kim Law, P.C., so we can discuss the particular events of your case.