In a few weeks, the southeastern states will be battling it out on the college football field, but for now they are teaming up in traffic enforcement. Leading up to Labor Day weekend, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennesse will work together to manage traffic checkpoints for all types of traffic violations. This “Hands Across the Border” initiative targets people driving over the speed limit, unbuckled passengers, and distracted, drunk or drugged drivers. So, if you see a traffic checkpoint on a road in the South this week, here are some tips about what to do.
Don’t Turn Around
If you see a traffic checkpoint ahead, it may be tempting to go the other way. Especially if you think they may be at risk for arrest for an illegal driving behavior. But, officers are often looking out for people who dodge the checkpoint. In fact, this can actually give them a legal reason to pull you over.
Slow Down and Stay Calm
It’s okay to slow down, but never slam on the breaks. Take a few deep breaths and stay calm, so you can make sound decisions behind the wheel. Be sure that you keep your hands visible, especially if you are pulled over. If you need to get documents out of a glove compartment or under a seat, be sure that you inform the officer of this in advance.
Know Your Rights
You have the right to remain silent. You also have the right to refuse a consent to search. You have the right to turn on your phone and record the encounter. You have the right to refuse a field sobriety test. And you have the right to decline a breathalyzer in Georgia, although this will likely result in license suspension. We always recommend that any assertion of your rights should be calm and respectful.
You also have the right to a DUI attorney. You do not have to answer any questions that an officer asks – you can let your attorney do the talking.
This program started in 1991 as a friendly competition between the Georgia State Patrol and Florida Highway Patrol. But getting arrested as a part of this initiative is anything but fun – let our office help if you get stopped.
