Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/929813
26 WheelsOfGrace.com Issue 39 You are on your way home a er a ride or an event or other and discover the road ahead is blocked by a police roadblock, what do you do? We've all found ourselves in this situa on. Law Tigers never condones drinking and driving/riding, so please choose to take Uber or Ly or have a Designated Driver if you do decide to drink. However, you may find yourself dealing with a roadblock even if you haven't had a drink, so it is important to know your rights. Legality of roadblocks The US Supreme Court has found roadblocks to be legal for a variety of purposes, the most prominent being the so-called "sobriety check point." While roadblocks may be legal, there are restric ons on what the police may do when they have you stopped at a roadblock. You do not have to answer any ques ons, par cularly ques ons that would be self-incrimina ng. You do not have to divulge your travel plans or where you have been. Remember, the police are doing their job and are fishing for probable cause and possibly a reason to detain you. You don't get any brownie points for coopera ng with them. A good response to any ques on beyond basic instruc ons is, "I don't wish to discuss my affairs, may I leave now?" You can choose not to volunteer informa on but it is s ll important to be respec ul and polite while answering ques ons. You can be required to show documenta on, such as your driver's license or car registra on, but you do not have to open your window if driving any further than the space to hand it out if you are in your vehicle. If the officer asks to search your vehicle or your person, never permit a voluntary search. The police do not have the right to search your vehicle or yourself without proper cause that you have, or are currently commi ng a crime. They may ask for permission to search your vehicle, but you have the right to decline a search or ask what grounds they have for conduc ng a search. Remember that the police must have a warrant or probable cause to search your vehicle or yourself. You can choose not to volunteer informa on but it is s ll important to be respec ul and polite while answering ques ons. The police can detain you at the roadblock for 15-20 minutes a er which they must take formal ac on or allow you to leave. If they are delaying your departure, you have the right to ask them for a legi mate reason for the delay and the right to ask if you may leave. Always be courteous, but know your rights. Can you turn around to avoid the roadblock You are allowed to make a legal u-turn to avoid a roadblock but most roadblocks are set-up in places that are difficult to turn around in, or on roads in which it is illegal to make a u-turn. It is also a common prac ce to have a police car in reserve to look for those individuals trying to avoid the roadblock. You may cause addi onal scru ny and harassment by trying to avoid the roadblock. Know your rights if you encounter a roadblock and avoid driving or riding under the influence of alcohol. Have a safe 2018! Roadblock Rights Contact the Law Tigers now at 1-800-529-8443 or by visiting www.Lawtigers.com LAW TIGERS APP FOR ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES Law Tigers