Drunk driving is extremely dangerous. It is also far too common on our roadways. Law enforcement officers may set up DUI/DWI checkpoints in an effort to combat intoxicated driving. These checkpoints are lawful in Nevada. With that being said, Las Vegas police generally use an alternative “DUI Blitz” strategy. In this article, our Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyers provide an overview of DUI/DWI checkpoints in the region.
The Public Safety Problem: Impaired Drivers Create an Extreme Risk
Drunk driving is dangerous driving. Impaired drivers significantly elevate the risk on public roads. Indeed, they pose a severe threat to community safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that a stunning 32 percent of fatal accidents nationwide involve a drunk driver. A reduction of intoxicated driving would save lives.
What is a DUI/DWI Checkpoint?
Broadly defined, a DUI/DWI checkpoint is a specific location where law enforcement officers set up a roadblock to check drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. At these checkpoints, officers may briefly stop vehicles at random or in a sequence (every third car, for example) to assess drivers’ sobriety. The primary goal of these checkpoints is to address the public health hazard of drunk driving. Checkpoints both deter drunk driving and catch intoxicated drivers in the act. A driver who is found to be intoxicated at a DUI checkpoint can be arrested and charged with drunk driving. There is no special immunity granted. Drunk driving is a crime in Nevada.
The Majority of States Allow DUI Checkpoints (Including Nevada)
Is a DUI checkpoint an illegal stop? The answer is “no”—while probable cause is needed before law enforcement officers can pull over a particular vehicle in general, DUI checkpoints have been deemed lawful if they meet certain criteria. Indeed, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the constitutionality of sobriety checkpoints in an important case in 1990 (Michigan Department of State Police v. Sitz). The court found that the safety benefits outweigh concerns regarding intrusion. With that being said, not all states allow for DUI checkpoints. According to the most recent data from Responsibility.org, they are currently used in 38 U.S. states and Washington DC. Nevada is one of the states that has DUI checkpoints.
LVMPD Uses “DUI Blitz” Instead of Traditional Checkpoints
Although Nevada allows for DUI/DWI checkpoints, it is actually not currently the preferred deterrence strategy of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). For this reason, you typically do not see traditional DUI checkpoints within the city limits. Instead, the department uses an alternative approach called the “DUI Blitz” enforcement strategy.
A DUI Blitz involves increased patrols and law enforcement presence focused on identifying and arresting impaired drivers over a set period, typically during times when impaired driving is expected to be higher. The approach allows for greater flexibility and mobility. It enables officers to cover more ground and respond more dynamically to tips and observations of erratic driving.
According to a report from 3 NBC News, the most recent DUI Blitz enforcement operation in the City of Las Vegas occurred on April 20th, 2024. For reference, the LVMPD typically uses the DUI Blitz strategy around 12 to 20 times per year. It is common to see the LVMPD uses the DUI Blitz strategy on a periodic basis, especially around major holidays/events associated with alcohol consumption.
We Represent Drunk Driving Accident Victims
Drunk driving accident claims are complex. There are a number of different unique factors that can make these cases especially challenging for victims and their families—not the least of which is the fact that DUI crashes are disproportionately likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities. At Ace Law Group, we have extensive experience handling DUI/DWI accident claims. With verdicts and settlements across a wide range of cases, our Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyers fight for the maximum compensation for victims, including for vehicle repairs, medical treatment, loss of income, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages.
Contact Our Las Vegas DUI Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
At Ace Law Group, our Las Vegas DUI accident lawyers are skilled, experienced advocates for victims and their families. Involved in a collision with a drunk or drugged driver? We are here to help. Give us a phone call now at 702-213-4998 or contact us online to set up your free, no obligation initial appointment. We represent DUI accident victims in Las Vegas and throughout the area.