{"id":9090,"date":"2023-12-01T09:00:21","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T16:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/?page_id=9090"},"modified":"2023-12-01T12:42:58","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T19:42:58","slug":"arizona-dui-checkpoints-laws-and-rights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/blog\/arizona-dui-checkpoints-laws-and-rights\/","title":{"rendered":"Phoenix DUI Checkpoint Laws and Your Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

Arizona is one of 38 states that conduct DUI checkpoints. Some states have found the checkpoints unconstitutional \u2013 in conflict with the fourth amendment, which requires probable cause in order to conduct a search or seizure \u2013 but Arizona performs the checkpoints routinely.<\/span><\/p>\n

DUI checkpoints can occur monthly, or more frequently, and are usually set up during the late night or early morning hours of Friday,Saturday, or holidays, when <\/span>drunk driving<\/span><\/a> is more likely to occur. In Arizona, these checkpoints may be constitutional, but that doesn\u2019t mean you lose your rights as a citizen.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Arizona DUI Checkpoints Work<\/h2>\n

DUI checkpoints are strategically placed stations where police can check for intoxicated drivers. These stations are typically set up near areas where many people are drinking, such as concerts or sporting events.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, they can\u00a0 be just about anywhere, and there are resources online where drivers can find a list of previously held DUI checkpoints. Law enforcement officials must also disclose the location of these checkpoints in the newspaper or through local news stations ahead of time. Checkpoints must also be clearly marked so there is no confusion for drivers.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the checkpoints, police officers may stop every vehicle or decide to pull over cars randomly, say, every fifth vehicle. In either case, they\u2019ll check for signs of intoxication. Officers may ask questions, monitor your behavior, and observe your coordination. If the officer believes signs of intoxication are present, the driver may be asked to conduct a field sobriety test.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u200b\u200bTypes of Field Sobriety Tests Used in Arizona<\/h2>\n

If an officer has reasonable suspicion that you are driving under the influence, they may ask you to submit to a field sobriety test (FST). Officers may use several tests to determine whether a driver is impaired. FSTs assess cognitive function and motor skills, which can hint at whether a driver may have been drinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

These are the most common FSTs used in Arizona:<\/span><\/p>\n