The state of Virginia joined New Hampshire and North Carolina recently when it passed a law prohibiting law enforcement agencies from running checkpoints that stop only motorcycle riders, according to a recent article in the racing magazine Who Won?.
Checkpoints are used in New Hampshire and other states as a way to screen passing motorists for any behavior that might indicate law-breaking, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), driving without a valid license or endorsement, or other behaviors.
Sobriety checkpoints in particular, which focus on DUI, are popular because of their deterrent effect and because they require fewer police resources to operate than the standard roving patrols do. New Hampshire law, however, requires these checkpoints to be applied neutrally – an approach that Virginia’s new law also supports.
In some states, checkpoints can be set up to stop only certain types of vehicles. However, motorcyclists have long fought the creation of checkpoints just to stop those on motorcycles. They point out that there is no reason to assume those on bikes are breaking the law any more frequently or dangerously than the average motorist. The Virginia law, like the one in New Hampshire, prevents law enforcement from targeting motorcyclists. However, bikers can still be stopped to be examined at checkpoints just like drivers of other vehicles.
When you’re out on your motorcycle, it’s important to make smart safety choices. If you’re injured in a crash, a skilled New Hampshire motorcycle injury accident lawyer at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. can help. Call us today: our number is (888) 332-5855, and your initial telephone consultation is free and completely confidential.