Many police departments throughout Maine have conducted sobriety checkpoints. These are roadblocks that the police set up in an effort to keep the roads safe from those who may be driving while under the influence. For those drivers that have not been drinking, this can not only be an inconvenience but can also put them in an uncomfortable position.

The City of Lewiston announced on its Facebook page on August 14 that they would be conducting sobriety checkpoints around the city. This is a requirement to notify the public about checkpoints, and we'll get into the why of that in a bit.

First though, Here are some things you should know about sobriety (OUI) checkpoints in Maine.

Despite What You May Have Heard, Sobriety Checkpoints Are Legal in Maine

According to Webb Law Firm in Portland and Saco, in most cases, police must have reasonable and individual suspicion to pull you over while you are driving, but in 1990 the Supreme Court ruled that these checkpoints are the exception to the law of reasonable suspicion. Some lawyers feel that the law is unconstitutional.

That said, law enforcement officers do not automatically have the right to ask you to pull over at a sobriety checkpoint for more questioning, search your vehicle or take a field sobriety test.

Police Departments Must Notify The Public About a Planned Sobriety Checkpoint

Web Law Firm also notes that the Supreme Court finds that unannounced police checkpoint searches are more intrusive and inflict more discomfort on drivers. Something I think we can all agree on.

In the case of Lewiston PD, as of this writing, they have only announced checkpoints will be in the coming days and weeks, but no location has been given, so it's up to drivers to be aware that they may encounter the checkpoint if driving in Lewiston.

You Can Turn Around If You Come to a Sobriety Checkpoint

This is something that many people do not know. If you come to a checkpoint and don't want to wait in line, you are allowed to turn around and go in another direction to avoid it. Webb Law Firm however warns drivers not to commit a traffic offense while turning around. Make sure your move is completely legal. Signal, turn slowly, and don't speed away.

You Don't Have To Say Anything To Law Enforcement Officers

When a law enforcement officer comes to your window at a sobriety checkpoint and asks you questions, like "Have you had anything to drink tonight?" or "Where are you headed?" you legally do not have to answer these questions. What you should be prepared to do, is provide any documents they require such as your license, registration, and proof of insurance.

Andrew Flusche Attorney at Law's YouTube channel has a video demonstrating three different drivers exercising their Fifth Amendment rights and declining to answer any questions. Each does it a little differently, and Flusche provided commentary on who did it best and how they could do it differently.

Now that you know your rights at sobriety checkpoints, it's up to you to decide if you want to invoke any of them or not. If you aren't operating under the influence, you have nothing to really fear, but it's good to know that you have the right to choose what you want to share with the police in many situations.

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These great spots can be found across the state, and waiting for you to give them a try.

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