DUI Checkpoints
DUI checkpoints are common during the summer and holidays.
Find local DUI Checkpoints at:
DUIblock.com
Santa Barbara Sheriff
5 Rules For DUI Checkpoints.
- Police usually warn of checkpoints.
- You can turn around at DUI checkpoints.
- If you avoid a checkpoint, police can pull you over if:
- You drive illegally*.
- You show signs of intoxication.
- Officers must systematically stop vehicles.
- The police must stop cars in a consistent pattern (IE: every third car).
- You can contest your DUI charge by challenging the legality of the checkpoint.
What happens at DUI Checkpoints?

- Remain calm and comply with the officer’s instructions.
- One of the first signs of impairment is failure to follow instructions.
- You do not have to admit that you have been drinking.
- You have a 5th Amendment right to remain silent.
- You can refuse to do sobriety tests.
- However, you can still be arrested for suspected DUI.
- A urine sample will be taken if both blood and breath analyzers are unavailable.
- Refusal to give a blood, breath, or urine sample results in:
- Minimum 1 year license suspension.
- If there was probable cause to suspect DUI.
- Pending DUI charges.
- Mandatory prison time if convicted.
- Fine.
- Minimum 1 year license suspension.
Challenge DUI Checkpoints
- Decision-making by Supervisors
- Decisions should be made by supervisors and not by an officer in the field.
- Limits on Field Officers
- A neutral formula such as every driver or every third, fifth or tenth driver should be employed.
- Maintain Safety
- The checkpoint should minimize the risk of danger to motorists and police.
- Reasonable Location
- Officers on the street do not select location. Supervisors chose sites in order to reduce alcohol related accidents and/or arrests.
- Time and Duration
- Short day-time searches are less intrusive.
- Signs of Official Roadblock
- Warning signs, flashing lights, lighting, police vehicles and the presence of uniformed officers.
- Length and Nature of Detention
- Long enough for brief questioning and to look for signs of intoxication. Signs include alcohol on the breath, slurred speech, and glassy or bloodshot eyes.
- Advance Publicity
- Notice to the public is important for a constitutional checkpoint.
*Examples of illegal driving include failing to signal, crossing a double-yellow line, and making an improper u-turn.