An OVI checkpoint, also known as a sobriety checkpoint, is a planned police roadblock designed to randomly check for drunk drivers and to deter drunk driving. Law enforcement officers set up traffic cones and barricades to stop vehicles passing through, whether thats every vehicle or only some vehicles. OVI checkpoints must follow state guidelines and federal law to be legal. The guidelines include the following:
- The checkpoints time and location must be made public in advance.
- The checkpoint should be visible from a distance so that drivers have time to stop.
- Law enforcements presence should be obvious.
- The site of the OVI checkpoint should be chosen for public safety.
- The checkpoint should not be overly burdensome to drivers or disrupt other drivers on the road.
While the primary goal of an OVI checkpoint is catching drunk drivers, police may also be on the lookout for other crimes. Drivers are not legally required to go through a checkpoint they know about in advance or see up ahead. If an OVI checkpoint follows the guidelines, drivers will know if they are about to drive through one and will have an opportunity to participate, decline, and turn around. However, drivers cannot violate any other traffic laws to avoid a traffic checkpoint.
