• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Monitech Ignition Interlock Systems

Monitech Ignition Interlock

North Carolina's leading Ignition Interlock provider

  • Interlock Basics
    • What is an Interlock
    • Interlock Cost
    • Special Offers
    • Interlock Videos
  • Locations
    • Service Centers
  • Partners
    • Refer A Client
    • Attorneys
    • Counselors
  • Customer Support
    • Contact Monitech Ignition Interlock
    • About
    • Refer A Friend
    • FAQs
    • Reviews
    • Mechanic Code Request
    • Blog
  • 800-521-4246

Should You Turn to Avoid that North Carolina Sobriety Checkpoint?

October 14, 2015 by Editorial Staff

North Carolina Sobriety CheckpointSobriety checkpoints are still a hot-button issue in the US. The Supreme Court has declared them a reasonable search, but many people dislike the idea of stopping cars at random to ask if the driver is impaired. At present 38 states including North Carolina have laws allowing sobriety checkpoints, and the rest do not.

One common question drivers ask is, “If I see a checkpoint ahead, is it legal to turn around beforehand to avoid it?”

The answer is a qualified “Yes.” Yes because nothing technically stops you from turning around if you see the “Sobriety Checkpoint Ahead” sign. Qualified because in North Carolina, if you do avoid a checkpoint, officers have a right to stop you and ask why.

Checkpoints operate under strict rules to pass the test of constitutionality. They must be publicized in advance, and when they are set up, they must either check all vehicles or choose them on a random basis. They also cannot detain drivers for an unreasonable amount of time.

What are checkpoint officers looking for?

  • Evidence of impairment. First and foremost, checkpoints exist to take drunk and drugged drivers off the road. An officer will ask you if you have been drinking, or are under the influence of any substance. He or she will check your eyes, listen to your speect, and observe your movements. If the officer finds any evidence of impairment, things will advance to the next stage and you’ll be given a field sobriety test.
  • Suspended licenses. All too many suspended drivers continue to drive, so the officer will very possibly check to see that your license is current.
  • Unregistered or uninsured vehicles. An unregistered vehicle is uninspected and possibly a safety hazard, and lack of insurance is a serious violation. The officer will give these a check.
  • Observable vehicle violations. If your taillight is out, your turn signal faulty, or one of your headlights out, you can expect a ticket.

Given that all the things the checkpoint officers are looking for are unlawful, and most are dangerous, the question is: why would you turn around to avoid a sobriety checkpoint? If it’s to avoid a DUI, then you should not be on the road in the first place. If it’s to avoid another kind of ticket, the same applies.

Moreover, it’s possible that, while avoiding the checkpoint, that you commit a traffic infraction, say, by making an illegal U-turn. That will land you in trouble.

Whether or not you agree with the idea of checkpoints, they do serve to catch impaired drivers and unsafe vehicles and reduce collisions on the road. So if you are stopped at a sobriety checkoint, the best policy is to comply and answer questions. If you’re sober, and not committing any other violation, you’ll be on your way in no time.

Category: General InformationTag: North Carolina, Sobriety Checkpoint

About Editorial Staff

The editorial staff is a group of writers and contributors with wide-ranging areas of expertise. The editorial staff provides news and analysis of topics that are focused on community and driver safety.

Previous Post:14-Year-Old Drunk Driver’s Unknown Accomplice Shares the Blame for Deadly Crash
Next Post:Can You Engineer Out Drunk Driving?

Free First Month

Call a North Carolina expert now at 800-521-4246 to claim your Free First Month!

Call Today
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Call Toll-Free

800-521-4246

Interlock Basics

What Is An Interlock

Interlock Cost

Interlock Videos

Locations

Service Centers

Partners

Refer A Client

Attorneys

Counselors

Customer Support

About

Refer A Friend

FAQs

Reviews

Mechanic Code Request

Blog

News

Copyright © 2023 Monitech, LLC.

Customer Support · Contact · ISO Certification