Asked in Traffic Tickets for District of Columbia

Q: Can the police pull me over for making a u-turn when I am in line for a checkpoint?

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: I assume that you are talking about a sobriety checkpoint, and not the police looking for a suspect. Generally speaking, choosing not to enter a checkpoint should not give the police sufficient probable to stop you if the u-turn is a legal maneuver. However, in reality, you will probably be stopped. The police may follow you until to you commit some minor moving violation, of which there are many, and pull you over for that. It is best not to drink and drive. However, if you have been stopped for making a U turn, contact an attorney immediately.

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