It is widely known in many cities that Police offers will heavily monitor certain areas, ready to stop and take to task the latest speed demon or worse, drunk driver. This is especially common during town festivals or holiday celebrations when people are generally more prone to distraction and apt get behind the wheel even if they've had a little too much to drink. It is certainly important to keep that kind of behavior in check, but some people feel that many of these police checkpoints are quite unfair.
Illegal substances such as drugs and alcohol have many effects on one's health and mental judgment. Aside from the usual hangover and disorientation, one is left with poor control of his or her movements, coordination and decisions. Being under the influence of drugs and alcohol decreases your awareness of everything that is around you which is very detrimental for you and other people.
According to the law, driving a motor vehicle, aircraft, boats, horse driven vehicles or even bicycles while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is punishable. When proven guilty, the penalties for DUI offenses can include fines, license suspension or revocation and possibly even a prison sentence. Other offenders may find themselves on probation, in drug or alcohol therapy and DUI schools.
Legal substance levels are detected with the use of certain devices that measures BAC or Blood Alcohol Concentration in the body. A blood alcohol concentration level of 0.8% and above is considered illegal. Laws, penalties and fines for violations will vary in different states. Strict implementation of DUI laws are followed in places that have a high incidence of fatalities brought about by drunk driving.
Second, the general area where the planned checkpoint is located must have a high drunk-driver incident rate. If it doesn't, then police are not allowed to set up a checkpoint there.
Perhaps most importantly, any stops that policemen initiate must be related to some sort of traffic violation and cannot be random pull-overs or so-called "profiling". The officers must also clearly post signs and warning lights that will alert traffic in all lanes that a slow-down is imminent. If you are by chance stopped by the police, it is mandatory that they give you any necessary tests to determine your sobriety but then you legally have the right to be released immediately if everything checks out.
It's also important to remember that every state has an Implied Consent Law. This law obligates any licensed drivers to undergo chemical testing of blood, breath or urine once they are accused of committing a DUI offense. Refusing to submit yourself for BAC testing will only aggravate your charges and you may end up facing harsher consequences.
There's nothing wrong with drinking and having fun with friends and family during special occasions as long as you're able to keep your self control. Responsibility is always the main key in staying out of trouble. Many people suffer from other people's irresponsibility and in some cases the offense can be life changing and very unfair. Family members are lost and people left disabled because of someone's uncontrolled drinking. That's not the kind of thing you want to have to live with for the rest of your life.
New Jersey traffic tickets can have a very bad impact on your driving record, never pay them, always fight them.
categories: New Jersey,traffic tickets