DUI checkpoints are often an invaluable tool that law enforcement agencies use to both catch and discourage driving while intoxicated. As long as certain requirements and rules are met, DUI checkpoints are a legal means of determining intoxication and legal authority to drive. Some of these rules include the fact that there must be supervising officers present. Another rule is that motorists must be decided in a non-biased manner. For example, police will choose to pull over every 5th vehicle. The DUI checkpoint must also be located in a reasonable area, such as a location with a high number of DUIs. The checkpoint must also be indicated by signage and marked police vehicles.
The LA Times reports that a DUI driver was arrested at a DUI checkpoint after being involved in a number of hit-and-run collisions.
36-year-old Linda Jane Tran was arrested just after midnight on Saturday, September 7th at a DUI and license checkpoint. She was driving a Toyota Prius that had front end damage.
Another driver that had driven through the checkpoint identified Tran’s vehicle advised an officer that the Prius had been involved in a hit-and-run collision on the 405. Officers made contact with Tran and the California Highway Patrol arrived to take over the investigation.
911 calls began coming in at about 11:20 p.m. and reported multiple traffic collisions. Four vehicles were involved in the crashes. There were no injuries.
The California Highway Patrol performed field sobriety tests after Tran displayed signs of intoxication.
The checkpoint ran from 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. 700 vehicles were screened, which resulted in 10 field sobriety tests. Two people were arrested for driving under the influence. Citations were also issued to those driving with a suspended license and driving without a license.
