DUI checkpoints are notorious for getting sober drivers arrested. Police use tests that often yield inconsistent results, leading officers to believe a driver is impaired even when they aren’t. The best way to pass a DUI checkpoint in Florida is to avoid it entirely. 

Are you allowed to turn around if you see a checkpoint ahead? Or can the police stop you for it? Here’s what to know and how legal advocacy can help if you’ve been arrested at a DUI stop. 

DUI Checkpoints Aren’t Mandatory 

In Florida, drivers aren’t required to go through DUI checkpoints. You have the right to leave if you want to and the police can’t stop you if you’re only turning around. They might make it seem that way, but this isn’t true and is a clear violation of your rights. 

Avoid Drawing Attention 

While you can turn around ahead of a checkpoint, you may not want to if you’re too close to the police and they can easily see you. Drawing attention to yourself might be riskier than going through the checkpoint, especially if you are driving under the influence or otherwise committing a crime. 

Instead, try the following tips: 

  • Think of another reason you’re turning around. If you decide to talk to the police (you shouldn’t), give them a different reason why you’re leaving the scene. Pretend you have to go back home for something or you’ve suddenly received a call you need to go handle. 
  • Get out of the checkpoint area as soon as you see it. Take a side road or turn around in a store parking lot before you get to the checkpoint to avoid looking suspicious. If you’re close to the checkpoint when you turn your vehicle around, the police are more likely to see you and consider you a problem. 
  • Don’t commit traffic violations. You can leave a checkpoint for any reason, but you can’t make illegal turns or run stop signs to do it. This does give the police a valid reason to stop you, even if they didn’t have one before. 

Get Legal Help Now If You’ve Been Arrested 

If you were arrested at a DUI checkpoint in Florida, you can’t afford to wait for legal help. Criminal defense lawyer Michael T. Rabideau offers comprehensive legal advocacy at affordable rates. Call now for your consultation at (561) 820-4848.