In New York, crash cases involving alcohol maintain a high percentage despite other changes in crash patterns. In 2018 alone, roughly 30 percent of all car crashes were related to alcohol in some way. This saw a 3.6 percent decrease from the previous year, but that slim margin did not cause much visible effect.
Due to that, you can find DUI checkpoints anywhere across the state. You must therefore understand what their point is and what you should do if pulled over.
Increase in DUI checkpoints
The Wall Street Journal discusses changing the approach to drunk driving. They mention the increase in DUI checkpoints, in which officers may administer breath analysis tests if they feel it is necessary. These tests measure your sobriety level by determining how much alcohol is in your bloodstream at the time of the test. Currently, the legal limit is below 0.08 percent blood alcohol content level (BAC). If your BAC is higher, officers can arrest you.
Should you avoid taking breath analysis tests?
Because of this, you may wonder if it is possible to avoid taking a breath analysis test, but the answer is no. Refusing to take the test actually nets harsher penalties and consequences than failing a test, in many cases. You may have your license suspended for up to 1 year and may face a fine of $500. On top of that, your refusal to take this test does not exempt you from charges. In fact, it can make you look worse in court.
Even if acquitted of the DUI charge, penalties for refusing a breath analysis test remain. Thus, refusing to take this test when asked will likely work against you.