If you see a DUI checkpoint, can you just turn around? 

On Behalf of | Nov 10, 2021 | DUI |

If you’re already proceeding through a DUI checkpoint, you need to follow the officers’ instructions and continue. But what if you see it ahead of your car, farther up the road, and simply decide to turn around?

Can you avoid any potential legal issues by driving away before you get to it?

Turning around is not illegal

You may hear people say that the police can arrest you for avoiding the checkpoint, but this is not true. You don’t have to go through it. You can drive away without breaking the law. 

What you need to remember, though, is that you must do this legally. For instance, U-turns are often illegal. If you cut the wheel and perform an illegal turn in front of the police, they’re going to pull you over. They’ll probably use the illegal turn before the checkpoint as justification to have you perform field sobriety tests or take a breath test. 

In other words, turning around makes you appear guilty. You may not be, but that’s how it looks to the officers at the checkpoint. If you violate even the smallest traffic law while turning, they can use that to stop your car. So you do need to think carefully about whether or not turning around prior to the checkpoint is really in your best interests, or if you’re just going to draw the exact type of attention you were hoping to avoid. 

What to do when you’re facing DUI charges

If you get DUI charges after approaching a checkpoint or after a traffic stop, be sure you know about all of the legal options that you have for your defense. Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to protect your future.