Police in Holmdel spent a Friday night at a Sobriety Checkpoint on Rt. 35 and ended up arresting three motorists for DWI and drug possession.
As we look forward to longer days and warm weather activities, it’s a good time to review your rights when it comes to police checkpoints in New Jersey.
First, you’re not obligated to go through them. If you see a checkpoint ahead, you can turn down a side street or simply turn around.
Police are not permitted to pursue you for evading their checkpoint, though if other probable cause exists (such as an illegal U-turn) they can stop you, so drive cautiously.
While you are required to provide your driver’s license and registration to police at a checkpoint, you are not required to answer questions like, “Have you had anything to drink tonight?”
You are also entitled to decline a request to search your vehicle.
When declining to be questioned or searched, be polite but firm. You have rights, and you are entitled to assert them.
Matthew Reisig has helped more than 1,040 drivers in New Jersey avoid conviction on DUI charges.
Call 732-625-9660 today and talk to an experienced New Jersey DUI defense lawyer for free.
