Miami area police are planning Saturday night DUI checkpoints. Do you have to comply?
Miami-Dade police plan a DUI checkpoint Saturday night in several locations in the county.
Where are the checkpoints?
The sobriety checkpoints will start at 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, and end at 5 a.m. Sunday at the following locations:
▪ Southwest 87th Avenue between Southwest Eighth and Northwest 41st streets.
▪ Northwest 36th and 41st Street between Northwest 72nd and 107th avenues.
Can you refuse a DUI checkpoint?
Under Florida law, if you “accept the privilege” of driving a motorized vehicle here with a driver’s license then implied consent applies. You’ve implicitly consented to either an approved chemical test, like a breathalyzer or blood or urine test. You can refuse to take a test but refusing can lead to automatic license suspension for a year for a first refusal or 18 months if you’ve previously had your license suspended. You do not have to take a field sobriety test like walking a straight line.
Do you have to pull over at a sobriety checkpoint?
If a law enforcement officer pulls you over at a saturation checkpoint you have to comply. This obvious driving rule doesn’t just apply at DUI checkpoints.
Can you turn around to avoid a DUI checkpoint?
You can turn around to avoid a DUI checkpoint so long as it’s a legal maneuver and safe to do so, according to The Law Place, a Florida legal firm. But know this: if you are seen turning around as you approach the area this may arouse suspicion and lead an officer to pull you over — especially if the quick turnaround breaks any traffic laws.
This story was originally published February 3, 2024 at 10:02 AM.
