DUI checkpoints have caught many offenders driving under the influence. Often they are set up during the weekends and during the late evening to catch people when they are most likely to drive under the influence. These roadblocks are temporary and are usually placed in different areas each time they are set up.

Sobriety checkpoints are modeled after the same checkpoints that were initially set up to catch people driving without licenses, insurance and registration. At these roadblocks, either every vehicle is stopped, or random vehicles are stopped. Both methods have proved to be effective over the years and most law enforcement agencies across the country utilize them.

In some cases, an officer may ask you if he can search your car. Under this particular circumstance, he does not have the legal right to do so and you are well within your right to refuse a search. You may also refuse a field sobriety test, but it is important to note that, if you refuse the breath alcohol test, the consequences in most cases are usually as severe as a DUI charge.

Surprisingly, the numbers are inconclusive for checkpoints. Some studies show that other than the actual presence of the checkpoints, they do not work better than roving patrol units.