Apple to Stop Accepting DUI Checkpoint Apps

Apple is restricting sales of apps that locate DUI checkpoints in an effort make it more difficult for tech-savvy motorists to identify the exact locations of police sobriety checkpoints. According to USA Today, Apple’s decision comes three months after several Democratic U.S. senators asked major makers of smartphones to stop selling these downloadable apps or to eliminate the DUI checkpoint function.

Research in Motion, the maker of BlackBerry smartphones, immediately pulled the DUI checkpoint apps. Apple, which makes the popular iPhone, and Google, which sells Android-based apps, did not. This week, Apple updated its guidelines and decided not to sell apps that contain DUI checkpoints not publicized by law enforcement agencies.

DUI checkpoints or sobriety checkpoints, as they are commonly known, are becoming more and more prevalent in Southern California. Law enforcement agencies get significant funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to set up sobriety checkpoints to snare drunk drivers and those driving without a valid license. There will be a number of checkpoints during the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend in several California cities.

Several recent studies have shown that DUI checkpoints in California are ineffective in reducing drunk driving accidents. Instead they result in false charges and DUI arrests. Law enforcement agencies are required under the law to publicize when and where these checkpoints will be held. Drivers have the right to avoid the checkpoints or even turn away when they see a checkpoint coming up. They cannot be arrested or charged for doing so. Police officers must also stop drivers randomly. But often they use their own judgment and discretion to pull over anyone they want. You cannot be stopped at a DUI checkpoint just because of your appearance, race, color, or nationality.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI in Los Angeles, Orange, or Ventura counties, please contact an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer in Los Angeles at Sitkoff & Hanrahan at 866-430-8383. We will fight for your legal rights and ensure that you get the best possible outcome in your case.