DUI sobriety checkpoints are designed to protect both the public and motorists for individuals who are driving under the influence.  These checkpoints are done in a controlled manner and according to specific guidelines. Although most DUI sobriety checkpoints are required to be announced prior to their commencement, many arresting officials do not post the information either online or in newspapers until the very last moment. 

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What Occurs at a DUI Sobriety Checkpoint?

Being stopped by a law enforcement officer can be stressful enough so it is no surprised that most motorists dread going through a DUI checkpoint, even if they have not been drinking.  Knowing what could occur during a checkpoint can make the situation easier to handle and can allow you to calmly respond to an officer if you do happen to be stopped during one. 

Location

Most Riverside DUI checkpoints occur in areas know for frequent drunk driving arrest such as areas near bars or heavily populated streets.  These checkpoints always occur on public streets and must be announced prior to them being conducted.

Guidelines

Regardless of whether the checkpoint is being conducted by California Highway Patrol or by the Riverside police department, arresting officers must follow a neutral, mathematical formula.  This means that prior to the check point occurring, officers agree to allow a specific number of vehicles pass through before checking on one unless a motorist clearly shows signs of driving while being intoxicated.

Obvious Signs  

Once a vehicle is stopped, officers look for signs of intoxication that include, but are not limited to, blurred or bloodshot eyes, slurred speech or even the scent of alcohol.  Unfortunately, even if an individual has not been drinking but shows signs of anxiety or is highly agitated, officers may ask the motorist to pull over for additional questioning.

Field Sobriety Tests

If an officer does notice signs of intoxication, they may require the motorist to conduct DUI field sobriety test that include hand, foot or eye coordination techniques designed to determine whether the motorists had been drinking. 

Arrest

After conducting a field sobriety test during a checkpoint, officers will usually ask the motorist to perform a breathalyzer test and if it comes back at or above the legal limit of .08%, then an arrest is made.