10 Tips on Surviving a DUI Sobriety Checkpoint Stop

Holidays are prime time for Arizona DUI sobriety checkpoints and Arizona DUI roadblocks. Even unimpaired Arizona drivers are subject to Arizona DUI Roadblocks and AZ DUI Sobriety Checkpoints. But do you want to take that chance even if you are not impaired?  In Arizona, the police will be stopping vehicles according to a random mathematical formula decided in advance by police force management or other local jurisdictional authority to stop drivers and find  Phoenix DUI or Phoenix drug DUI drivers.

If you find yourself stopped at an Arizona DUI sobriety checkpoint, you will be asked to produce your driver's license and registration. The police are trained to look for cues of drivers suspected of Arizona DUI or Arizona Drug DUI. They will watch to see if you are fumbling to find the documents, observe if you are displaying nervousness or suspect behavior, as would a person drunk driving or impaired by a drug or medication. They may ask you to step out of your vehicle or pull you out of the line of traffic to investigate further. They may decide to have DUI drug testing done for Drug DUI or a breath test for DUI with alcohol.  You should know that an Arizona DUI or Drug DUI received at an Maricopa County Arizona DUI checkpoint is just as severe as an Arizona DUI or Arizona Drug DUI charge given at an independent stop.  The punishments if convicted are just as harsh and Arizona some of the most severe DUI penalties in the country. Therefore, you have received an Arizona DUI or Arizona Drug DUI you should consult a Phoenix Arizona DUI Lawyer, or Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney as soon as possible regarding your defense.

Here three of twelve guidelines adopted by Arizona, and offered by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), regarding DUI checkpoint stops. These three guidelines can work to a driver's advantage to help them avoid, Arizona Drug DUI or Arizona DUI at an Arizona DUI checkpoint completely:

• The public should be aggressively informed of sobriety checkpoints with ample warning so  drivers can avoid them completely.
• Police presence should be obvious when approaching a checkpoint.
• Drivers should be sufficiently warned of an upcoming checkpoint

Here are some tips to prepare for a 2010 Arizona DUI sobriety checkpoints:

1. 1. The best way to avoid being stopped at a Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler or other City in Maricopa County Arizona DUI checkpoint is to find out in advance where the planned Arizona DUI roadblocks will be. Some resources to obtain notice include your local newspaper, radio, TV and the internet. Many AZ DUI checkpoint announcements are posted on local state, county, city, and government websites. Posting on social networks such as Twitter.com, has become increasingly popular. Others are using Text Messaging, iPhones, Smart Phones, and other technological resources to keep each other informed.

1. 2. If you will be driving, know in advance, know exactly where your license and registration are located and make sure they are accessible.

1. 3. Try to stay calm (easier said than done).

1. 4. Do not joke around with the police or passengers in the vehicle with you. In fact, it would be a good idea to alert the passengers that you are approaching a Phoenix DUI Sobriety checkpoint; and that you would appreciate their silence and respect through the process. It's your future and freedom at stake, (unless they are or have been  drinking under the age of 21.)  Recognize that the police officer is just doing his or her job. Be polite, courteous and respectful.

1. 5. Do not complain about being stopped at the Arizona DUI Checkpoint.

1. 6. Produce your license and registration as requested timely and without question.

1. 7. Do not offer information as to where you are going or where you have been.

1. 8. Do not offer information about having had any alcohol or drugs recently or in the past.

1. 9. Do not offer information about any medical conditions you may have, drug, or medications you have taken or have in your possession. That may encourage them to embark on a Drug DUI and may cue them to suspect you of a drug DUI.

1. 10. Do not allow passengers to have or carry opened alcoholic beverage containers in your vehicle.  Let them know your rules in advance of leaving for your destination. Simply explain that you do not wish to transport opened alcohol containers, drugs, or drug paraphernalia in your vehicle. It's not easy to say to a friend, especially in light of peer pressure. But it's your responsibility as the driver to enforce your rules. Ultimately it is your responsibility. You will be the one stopped by the police. You will be the one first investigated and most likely held responsible, and charged with DUI, Drug DUI, Drug or drug paraphernalia use or possession.