Drug checkpoints are not used in Texas, and neither are DWI checkpoints. The whole idea of setting up checkpoints that stop every car that goes through has been deemed unconstitutional, as they essentially mean that each checkpoint forces drivers to stop when there is no evidence that they’ve done anything wrong.
But say that you’re driving along one day, and you see a sign saying that there is a drug checkpoint up ahead, and the police are going to search your car. You know that these checkpoints aren’t used, so what does the sign mean?
It may be an attempt to get you to turn around
There are stories of police departments using this as a tactic. They know that there isn’t a checkpoint, but they can still put up the sign saying that there is. They can then watch the sign carefully. If someone drives up to it, stops and turns around, then they can pull that car over. They know that the person is trying to avoid the checkpoint, which means they may have drugs in the car.
Additionally, getting someone to turn around may influence them to pull an illegal U-turn. That alone gives the police a reason to stop the car, so they don’t have to worry about the traffic stop being illegal. If the driver turns around in a legal fashion and can’t be stopped, then the police may simply follow them and wait until they do something like not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or going a few miles an hour over the speed limit.
What should you do if you get arrested?
If you get arrested, and you’re facing drug charges, they can alter the entire course of your life. You must know about the legal defense options at your disposal.