DUI Checkpoints in Florida

Where are the Police Checkpoints Tonight in FL?

Checkpoints in Florida

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) checkpoints, also known as sobriety checkpoints, are locations where law enforcement officers are stationed to check drivers for signs of intoxication and impairment. Many jurisdictions utilize sobriety checkpoints as part of their larger drunk driving deterrence program. The purpose is to catch those who are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs before they can cause an accident or harm themselves or others.

In the state of Florida, DUI checkpoints are legal and are used regularly. These checkpoints are typically publicized in advance and their locations are often made available to the public. The goal is not to catch drivers unaware, but to deter drunk driving in the first place.

At these checkpoints, law enforcement officers may stop drivers at specific intervals (e.g., every driver, every third driver, etc.) to minimize bias. During the stop, they may look for signs of impairment, such as the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, or erratic behavior.

If an officer suspects that a driver is under the influence, they may conduct further tests, such as a field sobriety test or breathalyzer test. Refusing these tests in Florida often carries immediate penalties, such as a driver’s license suspension.

Common DUI Checkpoints / Police Roadblocks Locations in Florida

1. Miami-Dade County (Palmetto Expressway near Downtown Miami): Miami-Dade Police often set up DUI checkpoints on the Palmetto Expressway, especially near Downtown Miami. These checkpoints are typically placed during weekends and holidays, aiming to catch impaired drivers. Officers look for signs of intoxication, such as erratic driving or the smell of alcohol. If they suspect a driver is impaired, they may ask them to perform field sobriety tests or take a breathalyzer test.
2. Orlando (International Drive and Universal Boulevard): DUI checkpoints in Orlando are commonly placed on International Drive and Universal Boulevard, particularly during busy tourist seasons or large events. Orlando Police conduct these checkpoints to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike. They observe drivers for any signs of impairment and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer a breathalyzer if necessary.
3. Tampa (Dale Mabry Highway near Raymond James Stadium): Tampa Police often set up DUI checkpoints on Dale Mabry Highway, especially near Raymond James Stadium during events. These checkpoints are typically established to deter and detect impaired driving. Officers monitor drivers for any signs of intoxication and may conduct sobriety tests or administer a breathalyzer if they suspect impairment.
4. Jacksonville (Near EverBank Field and the Jacksonville Landing): DUI checkpoints in Jacksonville are frequently placed near EverBank Field and the Jacksonville Landing, especially during weekends or special events. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office conducts these checkpoints to ensure public safety. Officers watch for signs of impaired driving and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer breathalyzers to drivers exhibiting suspicious behavior.
5. Fort Lauderdale (Federal Highway near Las Olas Boulevard): Fort Lauderdale Police often establish DUI checkpoints on Federal Highway near Las Olas Boulevard, particularly during weekends when nightlife is active. These checkpoints are designed to prevent accidents caused by impaired drivers. Officers assess drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests if they suspect impairment.
6. Tallahassee (Near Florida State University and Florida A&M University campuses): DUI checkpoints in Tallahassee are frequently placed near the campuses of Florida State University and Florida A&M University, especially during weekends or major college events. Tallahassee Police conduct these checkpoints to ensure the safety of students and residents. Officers monitor drivers for signs of impairment and may conduct sobriety tests or administer breathalyzers if necessary.
7. Key West (North Roosevelt Boulevard near Mallory Square): Key West Police often set up DUI checkpoints on North Roosevelt Boulevard near Mallory Square, particularly during peak tourist seasons or events like Fantasy Fest. These checkpoints aim to prevent accidents and promote safe driving behaviors. Officers observe drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer breathalyzers if they suspect impairment.
8. Naples (Tamiami Trail near Fifth Avenue South): DUI checkpoints in Naples are commonly placed on Tamiami Trail near Fifth Avenue South, especially during weekends when downtown is busy. Naples Police conduct these checkpoints to deter impaired driving and keep the roads safe. Officers assess drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests if they suspect impairment.
9. Daytona Beach (Near Main Street and Atlantic Avenue during Bike Week): Daytona Beach Police often establish DUI checkpoints near Main Street and Atlantic Avenue, particularly during events like Bike Week. These checkpoints are intended to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of event attendees. Officers watch for signs of impaired driving and may conduct sobriety tests or administer breathalyzers to drivers exhibiting suspicious behavior.
10. Sarasota (US Route 41 near Siesta Key Beach): DUI checkpoints in Sarasota are frequently placed on US Route 41 near Siesta Key Beach, especially during weekends when the beach is crowded. Sarasota Police conduct these checkpoints to deter impaired driving and promote road safety. Officers monitor drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer breathalyzers if necessary.
11. West Palm Beach (Okeechobee Boulevard near CityPlace and Palm Beach International Airport): West Palm Beach Police may establish DUI checkpoints on Okeechobee Boulevard, especially near CityPlace and Palm Beach International Airport. These checkpoints aim to prevent impaired driving incidents, particularly during weekends or special events. Officers monitor drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if necessary.
12. St. Petersburg (Central Avenue near Tropicana Field): St. Petersburg Police often set up DUI checkpoints on Central Avenue near Tropicana Field, especially during weekends or major events. These checkpoints are designed to deter impaired driving and promote road safety. Officers observe drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if they suspect impairment.
13. Clearwater (Near Clearwater Beach and the Memorial Causeway): Clearwater Police may establish DUI checkpoints near Clearwater Beach and the Memorial Causeway, particularly during weekends or holidays. These checkpoints aim to ensure the safety of beachgoers and residents. Officers monitor drivers for signs of impairment and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if necessary.
14. Gainesville (University Avenue near the University of Florida campus): Gainesville Police often set up DUI checkpoints on University Avenue near the University of Florida campus, especially during weekends or major college events. These checkpoints are intended to prevent accidents and promote responsible driving behaviors among students and residents. Officers assess drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct sobriety tests or administer breathalyzers if necessary.
15. Boca Raton (Near Mizner Park and Florida Atlantic University): Boca Raton Police may establish DUI checkpoints near Mizner Park and Florida Atlantic University, particularly during weekends or special events. These checkpoints aim to deter impaired driving and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Officers monitor drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if they suspect impairment.
16. Pensacola (Along Bayfront Parkway near Pensacola Beach): Pensacola Police often set up DUI checkpoints along Bayfront Parkway near Pensacola Beach, especially during peak tourist seasons or major events. These checkpoints are intended to prevent accidents and promote safe driving habits. Officers watch for signs of impairment and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if necessary.
17. Cape Coral (Near the Cape Coral Bridge and Tarpon Point Marina): Cape Coral Police may establish DUI checkpoints near the Cape Coral Bridge and Tarpon Point Marina, particularly during weekends or holidays. These checkpoints aim to deter impaired driving and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Officers assess drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if they suspect impairment.
18. Kissimmee (Along US Route 192 near Old Town and Fun Spot America): Kissimmee Police often set up DUI checkpoints along US Route 192 near Old Town and Fun Spot America, especially during weekends or major tourist events. These checkpoints are intended to prevent accidents and promote responsible driving behaviors among residents and visitors. Officers monitor drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if necessary.
19. Bradenton (Near the Riverwalk and the South Florida Museum): Bradenton Police may establish DUI checkpoints near the Riverwalk and the South Florida Museum, particularly during weekends or special events. These checkpoints aim to deter impaired driving and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Officers observe drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if they suspect impairment.
20. Coral Springs (Along University Drive near Coral Square Mall): Coral Springs Police often set up DUI checkpoints along University Drive near Coral Square Mall, especially during weekends or major shopping events. These checkpoints are intended to prevent accidents and promote road safety. Officers monitor drivers for signs of impairment and may conduct sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if necessary.

Spring Break 2024 DUI Locations:

• Panama City Beach: DUI checkpoints are often set up along Front Beach Road and Thomas Drive during Spring Break, particularly during peak party times. Panama City Beach Police focus on deterring impaired driving and ensuring the safety of Spring Breakers. They monitor drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if necessary.
• Miami Beach: DUI checkpoints may be established along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue during Spring Break, especially during high-traffic weekends. Miami Beach Police aim to prevent accidents and promote responsible behavior among Spring Break revelers. They watch for signs of impairment and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if suspicion arises.
• Fort Lauderdale Beach: DUI checkpoints are often set up along A1A near Fort Lauderdale Beach during Spring Break, particularly during popular events and weekends. Fort Lauderdale Police focus on ensuring the safety of Spring Break visitors and locals alike. They monitor drivers for signs of impairment and may conduct sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if necessary.
• Daytona Beach: DUI checkpoints may be established along International Speedway Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue during Spring Break in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach Police aim to deter impaired driving and maintain a safe environment for Spring Break festivities. They observe drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct field sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if needed.
• South Beach, Miami: DUI checkpoints are commonly set up along Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue during Spring Break in South Beach. Miami Beach Police focus on deterring impaired driving and ensuring the safety of Spring Break crowds. They monitor drivers for signs of intoxication and may conduct sobriety tests or administer breathalyzer tests if suspicion arises.

These checkpoints and Spring Break locations are crucial for maintaining road safety, especially during periods of increased travel and festivities.

Conducting Agencies and Procedures

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) checkpoints in Florida are an essential part of law enforcement’s efforts to ensure road safety. These checkpoints are set up to deter and apprehend individuals who may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Let’s dive deeper into the agencies that conduct these checkpoints, the types of checkpoints employed, and the specific tests administered during these operations:

Conducting Agencies:

In Florida, DUI checkpoints are typically conducted by a range of law enforcement agencies. These include:

• Florida Highway Patrol (FHP): FHP is the state agency responsible for maintaining safety on Florida’s roadways, including highways and interstates. They often organize DUI checkpoints on state-controlled roadways.
• Local Police Departments: Municipal police departments in cities and towns across Florida actively participate in DUI checkpoints within their respective jurisdictions. These departments play a crucial role in ensuring that urban areas are safe from impaired drivers.
• County Sheriff’s Offices: County-level law enforcement agencies, such as the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office, are also involved in DUI checkpoint initiatives, particularly in unincorporated areas within the county.
• Other Agencies: Depending on the location, other law enforcement agencies like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and campus police may also conduct DUI checkpoints on properties they oversee.

 Types of Checkpoints:

Florida employs two primary types of DUI checkpoints to detect and prevent impaired driving:

• Fixed Checkpoints: Fixed checkpoints are stationary roadblocks established at predetermined locations. When drivers approach these checkpoints, they are briefly detained, and law enforcement officers screen them for signs of impairment. Fixed checkpoints are often well-publicized, allowing drivers to know their locations in advance.
• Roving Checkpoints: Roving checkpoints involve a more dynamic approach. Instead of being stationary, law enforcement officers patrol various locations within a specified area. This unpredictability makes it more challenging for drivers to anticipate where checkpoints will be set up, increasing their effectiveness as a deterrent.

Standard DUI Tests:

During a DUI checkpoint stop, officers follow specific procedures to determine if a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Here are the key tests and assessments they may conduct:

• Breathalyzer Test: One of the most common tests administered, the breathalyzer measures a driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). In Florida, the legal limit for BAC is 0.08%. If a driver’s BAC exceeds this limit, they can be arrested for DUI.
• Field Sobriety Tests: These are a series of physical and cognitive tests used to assess a driver’s balance, coordination, and cognitive abilities. Examples include the one-leg stand and walk-and-turn tests. It’s important to note that participation in these tests is generally voluntary, and drivers have the right to decline them. The results of these tests are used by officers to determine whether there is reasonable suspicion to make an arrest.
• Visual Inspection: Officers visually inspect drivers for signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, bloodshot or watery eyes, and the smell of alcohol or drugs on the driver’s breath or within the vehicle.
• Questioning: Drivers may be asked a series of questions about their recent activities, alcohol or drug consumption, and any medications they might be taking. These questions help officers build a broader picture of the driver’s condition.
• Vehicle Inspection: Officers may also inspect the vehicle for open containers of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia. The presence of such items can provide further evidence of impaired driving.
• Search: If officers have reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed, such as the presence of drugs or other illegal substances, they may conduct a search of the vehicle. It’s important to note that a search generally requires consent or a warrant unless there is compelling evidence of illegal activity.