Sobriety Checkpoint FAQ's in NHSobriety checkpoints are completely legal in New Hampshire and if you haven’t experienced one yet, you will. It is important to know what to expect and how to navigate them. While you should never drive drunk, there are times when you might have had one or two drinks and are perfectly capable of driving home and find yourself stopped at a sobriety checkpoint. While the DUI laws in New Hampshire can be tricky, you could still be indicated as driving drunk even when you’ve had very little to drink. Here are some tips to help you through the checkpoint.
Be Respectful
While it might be inconvenient or annoying to be stopped at a sobriety checkpoint, the police are simply doing their job to make the state of New Hampshire safe for everyone. It is important to keep that in mind and be respectful no matter what. The officer interviewing you will be respectful as long as you are as well. If you answer the questions respectfully, are compliant, and have your information available the stop is likely to be quick and painless.
Be Prepared
If you are stopped at a sobriety point, you will be required to gather the necessary documentation that the officer will ask for during the stop. The officer will want to see your license and registration. While waiting behind the other cars in line, be sure to gather all of this information so you have it available when it is your turn to speak to the officer. The officer will appreciate your preparedness. Another tip is to roll down the window to let out any odors of alcohol prior to approaching the officer to let the air ventilate throughout the vehicle.
Be Compliant at all Times
Whether you have been drinking or not, it is important to be compliant with the officer at all times. Answer any questions the officer asks you and hand over your information willingly. The more compliant you are, the quicker the process will be and you are more likely to be sent on your way with no issues. To add to your compliance, you could turn on your vehicles’ interior light and keep your hands on the steering wheel to be sure they are seen at all times. Be as brief and polite as possible when answering the officer's questions. If you get chatty with the officer or provide more information than necessary, this could lead the officer to ask you more questions, thus indicating that you have had alcohol. Even admitting to having only a couple of drinks could mean facing a DWI charge. Keep your answer respectful and short, to the point in order to avoid any problems.
If you do find yourself in a situation facing a DUI charge due to a sobriety stop or otherwise, it is important to find a DUI lawyer in New Hampshire to help you navigate the way.
By Kevin Tighe
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