DUI Checkpoints in Mississippi
Where Are the Sobriety Checkpoints tonight Near Me in MS?
| County | City | Checkpoint Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lauderdale | Meridian | 5th St and Cooper Ave - Area Of Animal Control | 12:30 To 1:30 Am - 4 July 2023 |
| Harrison | Pass Christian | Menge Ave and Pineville Rd - Area South Of I-10 | Fri Dec 23, 2022 |
| Lauderdale | Meridian | Poplar Springs Dr and Buntin Gunn Rd - Area North Of Meridian | 7pm To 2am - Fri Dec 2, 2022 |
| Harrison | Saucier | Hwy 49 and West Wortham Rd - Area Exxon Gas Station | Thanksgiving, 2022 |
| Kemper | De Kalb | Undisclosed Location - Kemper County | Wed Nov 23, 2022 |
| Jackson | Ocean Springs | Hwy 57 - Area South Of I-10 | Fri Sep 30, 2022 |
| Lafayette | Oxford | South Lamar Blvd - Area North Of Us-287 By Texaco | Fri Jun 3, 2022 |
| Lauderdale | Meridian | 5th St and Cooper Ave - Area Of Animal Control | 12:30 To 1:30 Am - Fri Dec 31, 2022 |
| Lauderdale | Meridian | 20th St Ext and College Dr | Wed Dec 29, 2021 |
| Lauderdale | Meridian | Old Country Club Rd E and Confederate Dr - Area East Of Ms-39 | 8:30pm To 9:30pm - Thu Dec 23, 2021 |
| Lauderdale | Meridian | Us-80 and Pigford Lake Rd | 8:30pm To 9:30pm - Wed Dec 22, 2021 |
| Lauderdale | Meridian | Ms-19 - Area Wilkerson Loop South East Of Us-45 | 11pm To 12am - Mon Dec 20, 2021 |
| Lauderdale | Collinsville | Area Sharp Memorial Church | 10pm To11 Pm - Sun Dec 19, 2021 |
| Lauderdale | Meridian | Pine Springs Rd and Allen Swamp Rd | 9pm To 10pm - Sat Dec 18, 2021 |
| Hinds | Jackson | Enhanced Enforcement - State Wide | Thanks Giving Weekend, 2021 |
| Marion | Columbia | Enhanced Enforcement Patrols | Mon May 31 - Memorial Day, 2021 |
| Jones | Laurel | Enhanced Enforcement Patrols | Mon May 31 - Memorial Day, 2021 |
| Forrest | Hattiesburg | W 4th St and Westover Dr - Area By Fast Mart | Thu Feb 4, 2021 |
| Jackson | Pascagoula | City Limits | Fri Dec 20, 2019 |
What's In This Page?
Show
What are DUI Checkpoints?
DUI checkpoints, also known as sobriety checkpoints, are strategically placed locations where law enforcement officers stop vehicles to check if drivers are operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Why are DUI Checkpoints Conducted?
Mississippi conducts these checkpoints to deter drunk driving and enhance road safety. Research has shown that DUI checkpoints help reduce alcohol-related crashes by up to 20%.
Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Mississippi?
Yes, DUI checkpoints are legal in Mississippi. They operate under both federal mandates and state regulations to ensure the safety of all road users.
Your Rights at a DUI Checkpoint
While officers have the right to stop you at a checkpoint, you also have rights:
- Right to Remain Silent: You are not required to answer any questions beyond identifying yourself.
- Refusing a Breathalyzer Test: Mississippi’s implied consent law means that if you refuse a breath test, you could face license suspension and other penalties.
- Protection Against Unreasonable Searches: Your vehicle cannot be searched without probable cause or your consent.
Procedures at Mississippi DUI Checkpoints
When approaching a checkpoint:
- Slow Down: Observe all posted speed limits and traffic signs.
- Follow Officer’s Instructions: Wait for your turn and follow any directions given.
- Provide Requested Documents: Typically, you’ll need your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- Field Sobriety Tests: If an officer suspects impairment, they might request you to perform certain tasks like walking in a straight line.
How to Behave
- Stay Calm: Remember, the primary goal is safety. Cooperate with officers and remain polite.
- Avoid Suspicion: Turn off your engine, roll down your window, and place your hands on the steering wheel when stopped.
- Know Your Rights: As mentioned earlier, know your rights but be respectful when asserting them.
Avoiding DUIs: Tips for Safe Driving
Plan Ahead
If you intend to drink:
- Designate a Sober Driver: Always ensure you have someone who won’t drink to drive you home.
- Use Ridesharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in many parts of Mississippi.
- Stay Over: If you’re at a friend’s place, consider staying the night.
Monitor Your Alcohol Intake
- Know Your Limits: Everyone’s tolerance is different. Always drink responsibly.
- Use Breathalyzer Apps: Several smartphone apps can give an estimated Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) based on your drinks and weight.
Consequences of a DUI in Mississippi
Driving under the influence carries heavy penalties:
- 1st Offense: Up to 48 hours in jail, up to $1,000 fine, and a 90-day license suspension.
- 2nd Offense (within 5 years): 5 days to 1 year in jail, $600-$1,500 fine, and a 2-year license suspension.
- 3rd Offense (within 5 years): 1 to 5 years imprisonment, $2,000-$5,000 fine, and a 5-year license suspension.