What Is a Sobriety Checkpoint?
A sobriety checkpoint is a roadblock set up by law enforcement officers to detect
and deter impaired driving in locations where there is a high incidence of crashes
and fatalities (Elder, et. al., 2002). At checkpoints, multiple law enforcement officers
(ranging in number from 2 to 15 or more) funnel all traffic into a controlled area
and perform brief interviews (10 – 30 seconds) with drivers to determine if they
are impaired by alcohol or other substances. If the interviewing officer suspects
impairment, the officer directs the driver out of the flow of traffic to a secondary
officer for further impairment screening.