DUI checkpoints are everywhere in the Chicago metropolitan area. In Chicago alone, there seems to be a DUI checkpoint set up strategically in the city at least once every other weekend. With Labor Day weekend just a few weeks away, you can expect DUI checkpoints to be strategically placed in the city. 

If you come across one unexpectedly and did just have a drink, you may be tempted to turn around to avoid it. What could happen, right? Something may or may not happen – here's what you should keep in mind.

There's no law stating you can't make a u-turn to avoid a DUI checkpoint in Chicago, but...

If you are driving down the road and spot a DUI checkpoint up ahead, there is nothing keeping you from turning around. The only limitation is this: you must turn around legally. If there is nowhere for you to make a legal turn or legal u-turn, then you can't.

Making an illegal turn is reason for the police – should an officer see you do it – to come after you. Two things happen here:

1. The police have reasonable suspicion to pull you over; and 
2. The police are already suspicious of you since you attempted to avoid a DUI checkpoint.

Whether or not you look or behave in any way that would indicate you have been drinking, the police will assume it already and start a DUI investigation.

So, you can turn around and avoid a DUI checkpoint, just make sure you do so legally. The police may still be suspicious, but they cannot pull you over unless there is reasonable suspicion you violated the law – like that illegal u-turn you made.

Even if you made a u-turn legally, Illinois police can still pull you over for...

Even if you make a legal turn, you can still find yourself in trouble. If you – as mentioned above – violate a traffic law in any way, the police have reasonable suspicion to pull you over.

Examples of valid reasons to pull you over after you turn away legally from a DUI checkpoint include the following:

• Disobeying a traffic sign or signal
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Crossing a solid yellow or white line
• Swerving into and out of traffic
• Driving over a divider
• Failing to use your turn signal
• Driving through or striking a traffic cone or barricade.

Many of these minor traffic violations can be committed due to an attempt to avoid the DUI checkpoint. For example, you may swerve into some else's lane inappropriately to make that u-turn you so badly want to make or you may make the turn so abruptly you forget to use the turn signal.

So, in this case, try not to react too quickly. Assess the situation, and if you need to, go through the DUI checkpoint. Alternatively, if you are pulled over for a traffic stop, follow some common sense do's and don'ts. Keep in mind, too, that you have rights. And arrests made via DUI checkpoints can be challenged. Contact an experienced Chicago DUI attorney to find out how and if it applies in your unique case.