If you’ve ever approached a flashing police light setup on a Southern Maryland roadway, you may have wondered: Are DUI checkpoints legal in Maryland? What are my rights at a roadblock? Understanding how roadblocks operate—and what to do if you’re stopped—can help you protect your rights and avoid making costly mistakes. Additionally, it’s crucial to be aware of the specific roadblocks in Maryland that could impact your journey.
In this post, we break down Maryland roadblock laws, the legality of DUI checkpoints, and how a Southern Maryland criminal defense lawyer can help if you’re charged. We will also discuss the various roadblocks in Maryland that drivers should be mindful of.
Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Maryland?
Yes, DUI checkpoints are legal in Maryland—but only if conducted according to strict guidelines. Under federal and state law, these checkpoints must be:
- Systematic and non-discriminatory – Officers can’t pick and choose which cars to stop. Stops must follow a predetermined plan (e.g., every 4th vehicle).
- Announced in advance – Law enforcement agencies often post checkpoint notices online or in the media. While not always required, public notice strengthens the legality.
- Minimally intrusive – Officers can request your license, registration, and insurance, but can’t detain you unreasonably unless there’s evidence of a crime.
- Approved by supervisors – Decisions about the checkpoint’s location and procedures must come from supervising officers, not those on the ground.
Failing to meet these conditions can lead to evidence suppression and even case dismissal.
Where Are Roadblocks Set Up in Southern Maryland?
DUI checkpoints in Maryland often occur on weekends, holidays, and during law enforcement campaigns like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” In Southern Maryland, roadblocks are commonly seen in:
- Prince George’s County – High-traffic areas like Route 4, Route 5, and the Beltway
- Charles County – Along Route 301 near Waldorf, La Plata, and White Plains
- Calvert County – Especially near Prince Frederick and Chesapeake Beach
- St. Mary’s County – In areas like Lexington Park, California, and Leonardtown
Police often target areas with higher rates of DUI arrests or previous accident data. Checkpoints may also be coordinated between multiple county agencies.
What Are Your Rights at a Maryland DUI Checkpoint?
If you’re stopped at a DUI checkpoint in Maryland, here’s what you should—and shouldn’t—do:
✅ You must:
- Provide your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- Comply with basic officer instructions (e.g., roll down your window).
🚫 You do not have to:
- Answer questions about where you’re coming from or whether you’ve been drinking.
- Consent to a vehicle search unless the officer has probable cause.
- Perform field sobriety tests (like walking a straight line) or take a preliminary breath test on the roadside—though refusing may result in arrest.
🎥 You may:
- Record the interaction if you’re not interfering with the officer’s duties.
🔁 Can you turn around before a checkpoint?
Yes—if you do so legally. Making an illegal U-turn or driving erratically to avoid a checkpoint can give officers justification to stop you separately.
What Happens If You’re Arrested at a Maryland Roadblock?
Being charged with DUI or another crime at a roadblock doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. A skilled criminal defense attorney may challenge:
- Whether the checkpoint followed constitutional procedures
- Whether the stop was too intrusive or prolonged
- The accuracy of field sobriety or breath test results
- Whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to investigate further
If the checkpoint violated your rights, a court could suppress evidence and dismiss the charges.
Talk to a Southern Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you were arrested at a DUI checkpoint in Maryland—or believe your rights were violated during a roadblock—you need a defense attorney who understands the law and the local courts.
At Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we represent clients in Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties. We know how to challenge unlawful stops, suppress flawed evidence, and build a strong defense.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation
👉 Schedule your consultation here
