{"id":286639,"date":"2016-07-14T13:22:15","date_gmt":"2016-07-14T18:22:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dui\/arrests\/dui-checkpoint-laws-by-state.html"},"modified":"2025-08-29T14:20:52","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T19:20:52","slug":"dui-checkpoint-laws-by-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/arrests\/dui-checkpoint-laws-by-state.html","title":{"rendered":"DUI Checkpoint Laws by State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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DUI Checkpoint Laws by State<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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A sobriety checkpoint<\/span> is a roadblock<\/span> set up by law enforcement<\/span> on public roads to screen drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment<\/span>. Officers stop vehicles<\/span> systematically using neutral criteria, such as every fourth car, to check for intoxicated drivers without needing reasonable suspicion<\/span>. These checkpoints help reduce drunk driving<\/span> incidents and are legal in 38 states plus Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

For years, states have grappled with how to reduce drugged and drunk drivers. In addition to strengthening DUI laws, many states use sobriety checkpoints to decrease the incidence of drunk driving.\u00a0<\/p>\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/a>, states that use DUI checkpoints have seen a significant drop in intoxication-related car accidents and fatalities. Some data shows a decrease in DUIs and related incidents within a week of a sobriety checkpoint.<\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019ll explain how sobriety checkpoints<\/a> work and whether they\u2019re legal in your state. We will also discuss the requirements for a lawful DUI checkpoint and what to do if the police arrest you at a checkpoint.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re currently facing DUI charges and aren\u2019t sure what to do, contact a local DUI lawyer<\/a>. They can explain your options according to state law and protect your rights.<\/p>\n

Learn about DUI checkpoints below:<\/p>\n