Major DUI Check Point Alert - Pittsburgh

[RocketFoot]

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/...88/detail.html

PITTSBURGH -- Halloween is a popular time for parties, and police are serving notice that they'll be on the lookout for drunken drivers.

Pittsburgh-area police said there would be a major DUI crackdown within the next week.

Police said the checkpoint, which will be on a major highway, would be loaded with 90 law enforcement officers.


Nurses will be on hand to draw and test blood of drivers suspected of DUI, police said.

Police said they would also be writing up operator and mechanical violations.

Although they haven't said exactly where the checkpoint will be, they said it would be dedicated in memory of State Police Cpl. Joseph Pokorny, who was killed during a traffic stop in 2005.

Just a heads up...get your CCW plans organized in case this pops up on you!

[Zef_66]

Nurses will be on hand to draw and test blood of drivers suspected of DUI, police said.

I assume they do this in the hospital? I haven't heard of them doing this in the field.

But anymore, I just realize they can have check points anywhere, anytime. Good reason to let the old lady drive.

[Tsgtbob]

Guess I'll be avoiding Pittsburgh for the next few weeks...

Just love these "search and seizures"! (in the name of Public Safety, or worse yet, "The Children")

[djturnz]

I've seen the PSP have an RV set up during DUI check points, I always assumed it was the mobile nurses station.

[MarcS]

Just remember:

-You do not need to answer any questions.
-You do not need to submit to field sobriety tests
-You do not need to submit to a PBT (roadside breath test)
-You do not need to let them search your car

[djturnz]

Isn't refusing a breathalyzer an automatic license suspension?

[reverserboy]

Just remember:

-You do not need to answer any questions.
-You do not need to submit to field sobriety tests
-You do not need to submit to a PBT (roadside breath test)
-You do not need to let them search your car

Does PA still have the implied consent law?? If so does it only apply to testing of blood or urine samples??

[MarcS]

Originally Posted by djturnz

Isn't refusing a breathalyzer an automatic license suspension?

yes, if they manage to get probable cause, arrest you and bring you to the police station or hospital, refusing the post-arrest breath test or a blood test will get your license suspended as they have implied consent because you hold a drivers license.

the preliminary breath test, the hand held device they use at DUI checkpoints, Is not calibrated and not an official breath test. They merely use it to establish probable cause to arrest you and you are in no way obligated to incriminate yourself by agreeing to use this device. The cops are under no obligation to tell you this.

Refusing tests does not equal probable cause.

[phillyd2]

Originally Posted by MarcS

yes, if they manage to get probable cause, arrest you and bring you to the police station or hospital, refusing the post-arrest breath test or a blood test will get your license suspended as they have implied consent because you hold a drivers license.

the preliminary breath test, the hand held device they use at DUI checkpoints, Is not calibrated and not an official breath test. They merely use it to establish probable cause to arrest you and you are in no way obligated to incriminate yourself by agreeing to use this device. The cops are under no obligation to tell you this.

Refusing tests does not equal probable cause.

I guess that's technically true. But...in real life they will claim probably cause and the judge will up hold it even if there was none. Lets see, there is slurred speech...glazed look....thought I smelled something.....erratic driving....or any other reason they want. Go ahead, prove later in court that your look was not glazed.

[BFit70]

nevermind, phillyd2 just answered it