The Drunk Driving Checkpoint & What to ExpectDrunk driving is a serious crime that occurs in Raleigh, North Carolina and all over the country. No matter how much people try to avoid it, they might wind up being pulled over by a police officer for suspicion of drunk driving. Many drunk driving arrests occur at drunk driving checkpoints, also known as DUI checkpoints. These checkpoints are utilized throughout the year but are most common around any major holiday.
When the officer initiates the traffic stop he or she will ask you to roll down your window and a conversation will ensue. The officer will be monitoring your speech, looking at your eyes, smelling the air of the vehicle and looking for open containers of alcohol all while talking with you about various things.
Make sure you provide the officer with your driver’s license, proof of auto insurance and the vehicle registration. If the officer believes that you are free of impairment, he or she will return your documents and instruct you to move along with your travels.
If the officer believes that you might be impaired you will be asked to exit the vehicle. The officer will then administer various field sobriety tests. These tests include reciting the alphabet in reverse, standing on one leg, walking a straight line without falling, walking and turning and monitoring your eyes as they follow a pen or the officer’s finger.
Should you fail the field sobriety test, according to the discretion of the officer, you will be placed under arrest for drunk driving. You might then be issued a breathalyzer test to determine your blood alcohol content level. Later, at the police station, a blood test might be administered.
A DUI checkpoint is used by law enforcement to curb drunk driving by drivers of all ages and experience levels. If you are ever directed to pull into a checkpoint you must obey all instructions by the officer or else risk being arrested on the spot. If you are arrested, an attorney can best protect your rights.