Where in Morton County? It wouldn't be a SURPRISE! if they told you.

But somewhere in Morton County there will be signs along the road signaling a sobriety checkpoint ahead.  For sober drivers this is a quick and painless exercise, and a chance to thank our officers for the great job they're doing.  For the driver that's had "just a couple", time to be sweating bullets.  Is it illegal to turn around to avoid a DUI checkpoint? Of course not!  You're innocent until proven guilty.  So as long as don't make an illegal or unsafe u-turn, you can be on your way.

Now, I suspect they take notes of your actions and maybe share that info with their local law enforcement friends that will also be out that night in force as a saturation patrol. I'm sure an officer wouldn't admit to those actions, but it's human nature to be suspicious of someone basically fleeing the scene.

I know you're asking- are sobriety checkpoints even legal in my state? Yes, upheld under state and U.S. constitutions....

Although the U.S. Supreme Court has found sobriety checkpoints to be constitutionally permissible, ten states (Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) have found that sobriety roadblocks violate their own state constitutions or have outlawed them.

Don't you think North Dakota with our checkpoints, and Minnesota with no checkpoints, seem have switched our traditional roles a little here? Odd. That said, 32 people have died on North Dakota roadways this year- of those, 11 of the fatalities have been alcohol related.

Hopefully, if you encounter the Morton County sobriety checkpoint this Saturday between 7 and 9, you can be confident the only thing that's going to get you in trouble is texting your friend you're going to be late.  I know that sounds brainless, but I bet it happens all the time.

Designate a driver y'all.


MUST HAVE CARNIVAL FOODS!

More From US 103-3