Can I avoid a DUI checkpoints if I turn around?

[@journeman77]

Can they set up a checkpoint, on a bridge? Notice of the checkpoint is given AFTER you are on the bridge before you are given a chance to legally avoid the checkpoint. This is still in VA we are talking about.

[@NicholsGreen]

I am not aware of any laws or case addressing this issue in Va.

[@journeman77]

@@NicholsGreen thanks for your reply. Henrico County does this on the chippenham bridge going over the James River. Traffic gets backed up for a mile in some cases. You cannot avoid it. I was going to the hospital one night and got stuck in it for 45 minutes with no way out on the bridge. Horrible experience. They don't even tell people they are going to put them up.

[@NicholsGreen]

DUI check points are a huge waste of time. They only occasionally catch drunk drivers even after stopping hundreds of cars. They do check points as PR campaign to look tough on drunk driving and because there are grants that get the departments free overtime for officers if they do certain check points. It is much more effective to just have officers patrolling the streets normally but who can say "No" to more overtime. .

[@jimweiss1543]

I just moved from PA to KY and I have two DUIs from 8 years ago from my understanding If I got another one that it would be like my 1st cause they only go back 5 years is this true

[@NicholsGreen]

Each state has its own laws, so it depends on which state you have your license from and which state you get your DUI from. Virginia goes back 10 years for most DUI's but if you ever get a felony DUI they can go back as far as they want. Also, DUI laws are constantly getting stricter so don't be surprised if these laws change.