If you’ve ever been stopped at an impaired driving checkpoint in Sudbury, you may wonder what your legal rights are. Police frequently set up RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) programs and sobriety checkpoints to catch drunk or drug-impaired drivers. But do you have to comply with every demand? Can you refuse a breathalyzer? And what happens if you’re arrested?

This guide explains your rights at Sudbury impaired driving checkpoints, when police can detain you, and how a Sudbury DUI lawyer can help if you’re charged.

1. What Are Impaired Driving Checkpoints in Sudbury?

Police in Sudbury conduct RIDE programs (also called sobriety checkpoints) to screen drivers for alcohol or drug impairment. These checkpoints are usually set up:

• On weekends and holidays
• Near bars, event venues, or high-traffic areas like the Kingsway or Barrydowne Road
• During peak times (late evenings and early mornings)

At these stops, officers may:

• Ask for your driver’s license, registration, and insurance
• Look for signs of impairment (slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, alcohol smell)
• Request a breathalyzer test (Approved Screening Device – ASD)

2. Do You Have to Stop at a Sudbury RIDE Checkpoint?

Yes. Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, drivers must stop when directed at a lawful police checkpoint. Refusing to stop can result in:

• Criminal charges (Obstruction or Failure to Comply)
• License suspension
• Heavy fines

However, you still have rights. Police cannot detain you without reasonable suspicion of impairment.

3. Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Sudbury?

At the Roadside (Screening Test)

• Police can demand a preliminary breath test (PBT) if they suspect alcohol.
• Refusing is a criminal offence (same penalties as a DUI).

At the Police Station (Evidentiary Test)

• If arrested, you must provide a breath or blood sample at the station.
• Refusal leads to mandatory fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.

Exception: If the officer didn’t have lawful grounds to demand a test, a Sudbury DUI lawyer may challenge the charge.

4. What If You’re Arrested at a Sudbury Checkpoint?

If police charge you with:

• Impaired Driving (DUI)
• Over 80 mg/100mL BAC
• Refusing a Breathalyzer

Do this immediately:

1. Stay silent – Anything you say can be used against you.
2. Ask to speak to a lawyer – You have the right to legal advice.
3. Document everything – Note officer behavior, time of arrest, and witnesses.
4. Call a Sudbury DUI lawyer – The sooner you get legal help, the better your defence.

5. How Can a Sudbury DUI Lawyer Help?

A skilled Sudbury impaired driving lawyer can:

• Challenge the legality of the stop – Was the checkpoint properly authorized?
• Fight breathalyzer results – Was the device calibrated correctly?
• Argue Charter violations – Did police violate your rights during arrest?
• Negotiate reduced penalties – Avoid jail time, lower fines, or case dismissal.

Example Case: A Sudbury driver was stopped at a RIDE checkpoint and arrested for DUI. Their lawyer proved the officer didn’t have reasonable suspicion for the breath demand. The charges were dropped.

6. Things To Get Quick Answers For

1. Can police search my car at a checkpoint?

No, unless they have reasonable grounds (e.g., open alcohol, drugs in plain sight).

2. What if I’m sober but still arrested?

Police sometimes make mistakes. A Sudbury DUI lawyer can challenge wrongful arrests.

3. Can I avoid a checkpoint if I turn around?

No. Police can pull you over if they see you avoiding a checkpoint suspiciously.

4. Are drug-impaired checkpoints different?

Yes. Police may conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) or demand a oral fluid drug test.

5. What’s the penalty for a first-time DUI in Sudbury?

• License suspension (1-3 years)
• Fines ($1,000+)
• Possible jail time
• Criminal record

7. Arrested at a Sudbury Impaired Driving Checkpoint? Act Fast!

If you’re facing DUI charges in Sudbury, time is critical. A conviction can mean job loss, travel bans, and sky-high insurance rates.

Call a Sudbury DUI lawyer NOW for a free case review.

Don’t risk your future—get expert legal defence today!

Final Thoughts

Police impaired driving checkpoints in Sudbury are legal, but you still have rights. If you’ve been charged, never plead guilty without talking to a lawyer first. An experienced Sudbury DUI attorney can fight to protect your license, freedom, and future.

Need help? Contact a top-rated Sudbury impaired driving lawyer today.