California considers driving under the influence (DUI) to be against the law. Police officers sometimes set up checkpoints to find out if drivers are operating a vehicle under the influence. These checkpoints are legal if they are set up properly.
Many drivers wonder about the penalties for avoiding a DUI checkpoint in Los Angeles. In fact, you are legally allowed to avoid a checkpoint in many cases. This means you could turn around before reaching a checkpoint and avoid legal action. However, this is not true in all situations.
If you received a DUI or other charges relating to a DUI checkpoint, reach out to a Los Angeles DUI lawyer today. For your free consultation, call us at (310) 896-2724.
Information About Avoiding DUI Checkpoints in Los Angeles
As we mentioned, drivers are allowed to turn around to avoid a DUI checkpoint here in Los Angeles. However, drivers have to turn around before they reach the checkpoint. Additionally, they are only allowed to turn around if they:
- Do not commit any traffic violations
- Do not appear obviously intoxicated
- Do not have any defects on their vehicle
This means police officers can sometimes stop drivers who try to avoid a DUI checkpoint. For example, let’s say that while making a turn to avoid a DUI checkpoint, a driver makes an illegal U-turn. A police officer could follow the driver and pull them over.
Drivers could then face charges for breaking the rules of the road. A police officer could also check a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) during this traffic stop. This means a driver could end up facing DUI charges even if they avoided a DUI checkpoint.
Actions During a DUI Traffic Stop in California
Let’s say that a driver does not avoid a DUI checkpoint in California. You may wonder what to expect as a DUI traffic stop. Generally, the police will ask to see a driver’s license and registration. They may also hold a conversation with the driver.
Drivers who show signs of impairment may be held for a longer stop. During this stop, the police can conduct blood alcohol content (BAC) testing. They may also ask a driver to complete field sobriety tests (FSTs).
Note that drivers have the legal right to decline FSTs and preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) tests in some situations. However, drivers have to legally take these tests if they are:
- Under 21
- On DUI probation
- Legally arrested
Refusal to take a legally ordered PAS test or FST can result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Additionally, refusal to take a test does not mean you will not face DUI charges. A police officer can still conduct a DUI arrest at a traffic stop. Find out more about this process by contacting a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles. Call (310) 896-2724 so we can answer your legal questions.
Charges Used at DUI Checkpoints in California
As we mentioned, drivers can face DUI charges if they are stopped at a checkpoint in California. There are a number of different DUI charges used in our area. These charges include:
- Vehicle Code (VEH) §23152(a): Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
- VEH §23152(b): Driving with a BAC at or Above 0.08%
- VEH §23152(f): Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
These are only examples of some of the DUI charges used in Los Angeles. Additionally, DUI charges are not the only offenses handled at DUI traffic stops. For example, let’s say that a driver arrives at a DUI checkpoint without their driver’s license. A driver could end up facing charges for driving without a license.
Additionally, police officers can issue citations if there is damage to a driver’s vehicle. It is against the law to operate a vehicle with a broken taillight, for example.
Get Legal Help After a DUI Arrest in Los Angeles
You don’t have to try to handle a DUI arrest in Los Angeles on your own. Members of our team can help if you were stopped at a DUI checkpoint. We’ll work to dispute the results of a BAC test. We can focus on getting your charges reduced or even dismissed. We’ll also stand up for you in court here in Los Angeles.
Learn About the Penalties You Might Be Facing for Avoiding a DUI Checkpoint in California
There are no set penalties for such an act, as drivers are allowed to legally avoid these stops. However, drivers can face penalties if they break a driving law to avoid the stop. Find out more about what you can do to fight these charges with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer. Just call (310) 896-2724. You can also fill out our online contact form.
We’ll help if you were arrested at a DUI checkpoint. Get immediate help with a free consultation.
