Sitting at a DUI checkpoint on a Friday night.

He handed my license back and waved me through.

Most people talk themselves into trouble at checkpoints. Not because they’re guilty. Because they think cooperating means answering every question. It doesn’t. Cooperating means following lawful orders. That’s it.

P.S. The case is Michigan v. Sitz. The Supreme Court ruled checkpoints are legal, but your right against self-incrimination doesn’t disappear because there’s a cone in the road. Provide your documents. Be polite. Say nothing else.

Officer leans into my window: “Have you been drinking tonight?”
Me: “No.”
Officer: “Where are you coming from?”
Me: “I’d rather not say.”
Officer: “Step out of the vehicle, please.”
Me: “Am I being detained or am I free to go?”

He paused. Looked at me. Looked at my car. Looked back at me.

Officer: “You’re making this difficult.”
Me: “I’m not trying to. I’m just asking a question.”

Here’s what most people don’t realize about DUI checkpoints.

He handed my license back and waved me through.

Most people talk themselves into trouble at checkpoints. Not because they’re guilty. Because they think cooperating means answering every question. It doesn’t. Cooperating means following lawful orders. That’s it.

P.S. The case is Michigan v. Sitz. The Supreme Court ruled checkpoints are legal, but your right against self-incrimination doesn’t disappear because there’s a cone in the road. Provide your documents. Be polite. Say nothing else.