Ocean City DUI Checkpoints: What Residents Need to Know

What Are DUI Checkpoints?

DUI checkpoints, also called sobriety checkpoints, are temporary stops set up by police to check if drivers have been drinking alcohol or using drugs.

Why Do They Happen?

The goal is simple:

• Stop people from driving while impaired
• Keep the roads safe
• Make people think twice before saying “I’m fine, I only had a few drinks”

Even though some people don’t like them, these checkpoints have been shown to help reduce crashes caused by drunk driving, especially in busy areas like Ocean City.

Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Maryland?

Yes, they are.

What the Law Says

• In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that DUI checkpoints are legal.
• Maryland allows them as long as certain rules are followed.

Rules for Checkpoints in Maryland

To be legal, checkpoints must:

1. Give the public advance notice (in the news or with road signs)
2. Use a set plan, like stopping every third car
3. Keep delays short and respectful
4. Be based on data showing the area has had DUI problems

In Ocean City, state and local police usually work together to follow these rules, especially in the busy seasons.

Where Are DUI Checkpoints in Ocean City?

Trying to plan ahead? Here are 10 spots where DUI checkpoints often happen in Ocean City, Maryland:

1. Coastal Highway (especially between 45th and 94th Streets)
2. Route 50 Bridge into Ocean City
3. Downtown Philadelphia Avenue
4. Near Seacrets Nightclub
5. West Ocean City – Route 707 near outlet malls
6. Near the Roland E. Powell Convention Center
7. By intersections near the Boardwalk
8. Bayshore Drive & St. Louis Avenue
9. Route 90 ramps and merge zones
10. Parking lots during big events like Springfest, Bike Week, or Cruisin’ Ocean City

When Are DUI Checkpoints Most Common?

Police don’t just choose random times. They look at busy days and places where drinking is more likely to happen.

Most Likely Times for Checkpoints

• Summer weekends (Fridays through Sundays)
• Fourth of July
• Prom and graduation weekends
• Memorial Day and Labor Day
• Springfest and Sunfest weekends
• During Cruisin’ Ocean City
• White Marlin Open fishing tournament
• Halloween weekend
• New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
• After big sports games or bar crawls

What Happens at a DUI Checkpoint?

When you come to a checkpoint, here’s what usually happens:

1. An officer tells you to slow down or stop.
2. They ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance.
3. They look at how you’re acting. They’re checking for:
   • Slurred speech
   • Smell of alcohol
   • Red or glassy eyes
   • Open containers in the car
4. If they notice anything suspicious, they might ask you to get out of the car for tests.
5. If they still think you’re impaired, they may ask you to take a breath test.

Good to Know: You don’t have to answer questions like “How much have you had to drink?” It’s okay to say, “I’d prefer not to answer without a lawyer.”

Know Your Rights at a Checkpoint

Yes, You Have Rights

• You can stay silent. You don’t have to explain what you were doing.
• You don’t have to let them search your car unless they have a reason or you say yes.
• You can turn around before reaching a checkpoint, as long as it’s legal and safe.
• In Maryland, if you refuse a breath test, you may lose your license because of the Implied Consent Law.

Top 5 Tips for Drivers at Checkpoints

1. Stay calm. Acting nervous can raise red flags.
2. Be respectful. Getting upset only makes things worse.
3. Keep your license and papers easy to find.
4. Don’t talk too much. You don’t need to share extra details.
5. If you’re arrested or confused, ask for a lawyer.

If You’re Charged with a DUI — What Should You Do?

Getting a DUI is serious—but you’re not alone.

Steps You Should Take Right Away

1. Call a local, experienced criminal defense attorney.
2. Go to your court date. Missing it will only make things worse.
3. Save anything that might help your case (receipts, texts, witness names).
4. Don’t post about your arrest online. It’s not a good look in court.
5. Start building your defense fast. Time matters.

DUI penalties in Maryland can include:

• License suspension
• Heavy fines
• Jail time
• Higher car insurance rates
• An ignition interlock device installed in your car

Why Pick Attorney Cullen Burke?

I’ve worked as a criminal defense attorney in Ocean City for more than 30 years. I’ve helped thousands of people with DUI charges and know how to fight for your best outcome.

What I Offer

• A legal strategy just for you
• Over 30 years of experience in Maryland courts
• Strong protection of your rights
• A close look at how your stop and arrest were done
• Honest advice without judgment

DUI charges are a big deal. Your license, job, and future are on the line. Don’t face it alone.

Contact Cullen Burke Today

If you were stopped at a checkpoint or charged with a DUI in Ocean City, don’t wait.

Call now for a free consultation: (410) 723-6500
Visit: www.cullenburke.com

We’ll hear your story, explain your options, and fight to help you move forward. Knowing your rights is just the beginning — taking action is the next step.

Stay safe, Ocean City. And always remember: never drink and drive — but if you ever get stopped, know your rights and who to call.

— Cullen Burke, Esq.
Criminal Defense Attorney | Ocean City, MD