Ohio police officers will set up DUI checkpoints along the roadway to help identify any drunk drivers who may be traveling on by. Also called sobriety checkpoints, these brief detention centers give police the opportunity to not only test drivers for being drunk but also to check a vehicle’s tags, the registration and the person’s driver’s license. Since DUI checkpoints are set up for hours where most drivers who are drinking and driving are likely to be on the roadway, it is possible that you may find yourself stuck at a DUI checkpoint every now and then.

What happens at a DUI checkpoint?

At DUI checkpoints, police officers will waive you into place and ask you to roll down your window. You’ll need to provide your driver’s license and proof of car insurance. It’s very common for officers to ask you other questions like where you were coming from or where you’re headed. During this period, the police will be running your plate to ensure that your vehicle is registered. They’ll also be checking to ensure that your license is valid and not suspended.

What happens if they think you’re impaired?

During the short time when the officers speak to you, they are checking for signs of impairment. If they notice slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, loss of coordination or the smell of alcohol, they may ask you to step outside your vehicle to participate in a field sobriety test. Some of the most common field sobriety tests include standing on one leg, the walk-and-turn test and the finger-to-nose test. If you fail a field sobriety test, the officer may arrest you for a DUI.

Going through DUI checkpoint can be a scary experience if you haven’t done one before. Understanding what happens throughout a typical checkpoint stop can help to put your mind at ease during the whole process.