DUI checkpoints exist as a way for officers to help weed out potentially intoxicated drivers, cleaning up the road and making it a safer place for everyone else.
Despite that, drivers do not actually have to go through the checkpoint. However, it is important to avoid them in the correct way.
Finding your way past a checkpoint
LifeSafer discusses going through a DUI checkpoint. Generally speaking, most officers do not have to leave a notice for a DUI checkpoint they set up. They also do not have to provide alternative routes to go around it.
Drivers can find their own routes to get around the checkpoint, but it is important that they do not make any illegal moves in their attempt to get away.
Illegal moves include speeding, driving over solid lines, driving recklessly, tailgating, cutting off other cars, making illegal turns or U-turns, and any other action that breaks the law.
An officer can also pull a driver over for reasons not related to the active breaking of driving laws, though. For example, if they notice a broken tail light or an expired sticker on the license plate, this is enough reason to pull a driver over.
Getting pulled over
If a car gets pulled over, an officer can easily decide to issue a BAC test. This defeats the purpose of trying to drive around the DUI checkpoint in the first place. Thus, a driver should only attempt to evade the checkpoint if they can do so in a safe way, and do not have anything that could give an officer reason to pull them over as they leave.
