Drunk Driving DUI Law

Police who will conduct another DUI checkpoint Friday night on U.S. Highway 98 say such roadblocks are “absolutely not” unconstitutional despite the small number of arrests.

Of nearly 700 vehicles that passed through a Fort Walton Beach police checkpoint two weeks ago, only one driver – a 21-year-old man – was arrested for DUI. Most of the night’s arrests and tickets were for equipment, registration or driver license violations.

The state of Florida strongly encourages the practice.

Another roadblock is set for 10 p.m. Friday on Miracle Strip Parkway just west of St. Mary Avenue near City Hall.

By law, police must leave open an “avenue of escape” – a way for motorists to get around the checkpoint.

BY THE NUMBERS

Arrests and citations at a May 15 roadblock (691 vehicles stopped):

- 14 for unsafe/improper/faulty equipment
- 11 for driver-license violations
- 10 for registration/tag violations
- 4 for no proof of insurance
- 1 for habitually driving with a revoked license
- 1 for an open container of alcohol
- 1 for DUI

NEXT DUI CHECKPOINT-Fort Walton Beach

10 p.m. Friday on Miracle Strip Parkway near Fort Walton Beach City Hall

Do you think Florida DUI Checkpoints are Constitutional?