Should Police Have “Driver’s License” and “DUI” Checkpoints?
I live in California. I am a white, middle-aged woman who is required by the state not only to have a valid driver's license but also valid insurance and registration for the car I am driving. I was born an American citizen in Montana. My children are all American citizens by birth, however two o...
I live in California. I am a white, middle-aged woman who is required by the state not only to have a valid driver's license but also valid insurance and registration for the car I am driving. I was born an American citizen in Montana. My children are all American citizens by birth, however two of them are married to men who have legally immigrated to the US.
I have been stopped by a "checkpoint" on the average of once every six months. Everything has been in order and I have been sent on my way quickly (needless to say I never drink and drive). My sons-in-law have also been stopped, checked and sent on their way.
I have several questions about these stops. First does anybody really mind them if they are driving legally? Does anybody really truly feel these checkpoints are "targeting" illegal immigrants? Does anyone have a better idea?
They’re not targeting illegal immigrants. They’re targeting drunk drivers and people that drive with an expired registration. As long as your following the law it shouldn’t be a problem. Like you said it doesn’t take up too much of your time and it’s making the streets safer to drive on. In NYS, we have seat belt laws and so the police also do seatbelt check points.
They certainly are NOT targeting illegals. They are looking more for dui drivers.
In CA, no they are not looking for illegals. There are too many sanctuary cities in CA for that to even be a possibility.
I mind being stopped if it is a long wait and I have other things to do but otherwise, no I don’t mind. If this is done on a normal basis, maybe the area is known for having people who drive under the influence.
In my neighborhood they are rare. And, funny thing, when you see them here in the East Bay where I live, they are always at least two blocks away and you have the option of changing course to avoid them. Which I always do.
But I hear that they are much more common in areas where minorities are more concentrated. Like East San Jose, East LA, etc. And if this is true, then I think it’s wrong. It’s selective enforcement.
In general, though, I think it’s an okay idea. We all give ‘implied consent’ when we get our drivers’ licenses.
I don’t mind that sort of checkpoint, although I do wonder about probable cause issues. I think some states do allow "surveys" of traffic, so perhaps that is how the probable cause issue is addressed.
I can’t see how a checkpoint that stops every vehicle could be ‘targeted’.
First of all, there are approx. 41,000 people killed on the roads every year.Need to put a stop to this ! I believe it is possible to use technology ( built-in breathalyzers, & computer chips ) to lower this number. Driving is a PRIVILEGE, not a constitutional right ! You could probably save 10,000 a year by requiring that EVERYONE in a vehicle wear a motorcycle helmet ! ( What politician would touch THAT ) ? LOL.
So many of these checkpoints are a waste of time – see, for example:
http://www.sandiegodrunkdrivingattorney.net/2009/06/dui-cops-do-their-best-to-ruin-fun.html
and money – see http://www.sandiegodrunkdrivingattorney.net/2009/06/california-taxpayers-should-be-upset.html or
http://www.sandiegodrunkdrivingattorney.net/2009/05/why-is-orange-county-wasting-time-money.html