What You Need to Know
DUI checkpoints—also known as sobriety checkpoints—are legal in Arizona and frequently used to deter impaired driving. If you live in or are traveling through areas like Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, Phoenix, or other parts of Arizona, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities when approaching a DUI roadblock.
At Rideout Law Group, we regularly defend clients charged with DUI offenses across Maricopa and Mohave Counties, including first-time DUI, Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, and underage DUI. Here’s what you should know if you encounter a checkpoint.
Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Arizona?
Yes, DUI checkpoints are legal in Arizona. The state follows guidelines set by the U.S. Supreme Court that allow law enforcement to conduct brief stops without individualized suspicion, as long as certain constitutional safeguards are met. These include:
- Advance public notice of the checkpoint
- A neutral formula for stopping vehicles (e.g., every third car)
- Clearly visible law enforcement presence
- Minimal intrusion and delay for law-abiding drivers
The Arizona Department of Public Safety and local police departments typically set up these checkpoints during holiday weekends, major events, and late-night hours—especially in cities like Scottsdale, Tempe, and Lake Havasu City where nightlife activity is common.
What Happens at a DUI Checkpoint?
If you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint in Arizona, here’s what you can generally expect:
- Initial Screening: Officers will ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. They may also observe your behavior and look for signs of impairment, such as slurred speech or bloodshot eyes.
- Field Sobriety Testing: If there is reasonable suspicion of impairment, you may be asked to step out of the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests.
- Breath or Blood Testing: If probable cause is established, you could be arrested and required to take a breath or blood test under Arizona’s implied consent law. Refusing a chemical test can result in automatic license suspension.
What Are Your Rights at a Checkpoint?
You have rights during any DUI stop, including:
- The right to remain silent (except for providing identification).
- The right to refuse field sobriety tests (though refusal may increase suspicion).
- The right to legal representation after an arrest.
It’s also legal to turn around before reaching a checkpoint—as long as it’s done lawfully and without violating traffic laws.
DUI Penalties in Arizona
Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. Penalties for a first offense may include:
- Minimum 10 consecutive days in jail
- $1,250 in fines and fees
- License suspension
- Ignition interlock device installation
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
If charged with Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15% or higher) or Aggravated DUI, the consequences are significantly harsher.
Learn more about DUI penalties here
Why You Need a DUI Attorney
If you’ve been arrested at a DUI checkpoint, don’t wait to get legal help. At Rideout Law Group, we’ve defended hundreds of DUI cases and understand how to challenge:
- Improper checkpoint procedures
- Faulty breath or blood test results
- Violations of constitutional rights
We serve clients throughout Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, and surrounding Arizona communities. Our firm combines former prosecutor experience with aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case.
Contact Rideout Law Group Today
Whether you were stopped at a DUI checkpoint or charged elsewhere in Arizona, we’re here to help.
📍 Scottsdale Office: 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📍 Lake Havasu Office: 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 Call Now: (480) 584-3328 or (928) 854-8181