What are my rights at various “checkpoints”?

Image and post cut and pasted from here.

There are four general types of checkpoints you might encounter: DUI checkpoints, US border checkpoints, drug checkpoints, and TSA checkpoints. In a legal sense, they are not all created equal. So depending on which one you encounter, you’ll want to be prepared to flex your rights appropriately.

probable cause that you’re under the influence or you agree to the search. As such, you are not required to answer their questions or admit to breaking the law.



[b]random checkpoints for the purpose of finding illegal drugs are unconstitutional. However, police sometimes put up signs warning drivers of up-coming drug checkpoints and instead pull over people who make illegal u-turns or discard contraband out the window. If you see a sign saying “Drug Checkpoint Ahead”, just keep driving and don’t panic. If there’s a rest area following the sign, DO NOT pull into it. If you do, you’ll find yourself surrounded by drug-sniffing dogs.



Police departments, especially in the Mid-west, have been pushing their luck with this tactic, so if you encounter anything resembling an actual drug checkpoint, please contact that state’s ACLU Chapter. Similarly, if you’re arrested as a result of a real or fake “drug checkpoint”, you must contact an attorney to explore your legal options.



[b]probable cause or a search warrant anytime you pass through a TSA security zone.



The ACLU also keeps a Know Your Rights When Traveling page. It’s got handy tips for deaing with “spot interviews” and opting out of nude body scanners.



Since the Supreme Court’s ruling in Illinois v. Caballes police have more leeway to use drug-sniffing dogs in roadblock situations. There’s no need to waive your rights simply because dogs are present. But be advised that your legal options are limited if you’re arrested as a result of a dog sniff during a roadblock.



Also keep in mind that police closely monitor cars approaching the roadblock. So you’re not likely to have any success trying to evade it.



Sobriety checkpoints are generally permitted by the courts, but only if conducted properly. If you’re arrested at a police roadblock always consult an attorney before confessing or agreeing to a plea bargain. There might be some legal options that your lawyer can pursue.



[b]TSA’s Mysterious ID Requirement



Many folks are concerned about the TSA’s requirement that passengers show a photo identification before passing through security. Of particular concern, is TSA’s persistent refusal to release the text of the law that it uses to justify that requirement. For more on the sheer absurdity of the policy, read security expert Bruce Schneier’s interesting analysis.



probable cause or asearch warrant. So anytime you cross the border, you consent to a search.



CBP may generally stop and search the property of anyone entering or exiting the U.S. If agents have reasonable suspicion to believe you’re concealing contraband, they may search your body using pat-down, strip, body cavity, or involuntary x-ray searches.



[b]Checkpoints Near the Border



Be aware that DHS agents have recently set up constitutionally-questionable “security checkpoints” up to 100 miles inside U.S. territory. If you should drive into one of these roadblocks, you are not required to answer the agent’s questions (usually starting with “Are you a United States citizen?”). Nor are you required to consent to any searches.



Visit www.checkpointusa.org/blog to learn more about this program. By actively “flexing” their rights, these brave citizens expose the techniques DHS agents (and police in general) use to trick and intimidate citizens into compliance. Also take note of the practical necessity of flexing your rights repeatedly.

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Foreign corporations and international bankers pay little or no taxes in the US. They make money, and send it outside the US. They claim they are losing money and then get trillions in taxpayer paid bailouts. These foreign corporations pay elected officials billions in bribes called "campaign finance" and "contributions", which are bribes. Officials can get huge paydays when they work for the very corporations they were supposed to be regulating as elected officials. So, who do these sleazebag politicians really serve? It isn't us.

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[This is the abuse] you all pay for.

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International Bankers and Foreign Corporation owners are too often tax cheats. They send money out of countries, declare losses, don't pay taxes, and since they've paid elected officials and regulators bribes in billions offering many million dollar a year jobs, they then get trillions in bailouts. We are getting screwed. Officials are making it so. When there is nothing left to steal, our corporate banker masters will put us in lock down. Bankers and corporate owners should not be getting away with theft and rigging the system. 

Apple: Tax Cheating Doesn't Sync with My Values


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