The police in Huntsville were proud to unveil their upgraded DUI Task Force van which is significantly larger and nearly 20 years newer than the previous one. Police spokesman Harry Hobbs said the new van, that was donated by Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc., has been redesigned for its new purpose and will be much more functional during checkpoints. It will now also be able to hold multiple prisoners inside and be easier to move around in.
Before an eligible driver reaches the truck, three field sobriety tests, as well as a portable breath test are administered during checkpoints. If these test results show that a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are arrested and taken to the new DUI truck. Once inside, drivers are read the terms of the implied consent and take two breathalyzer tests. Police use the lowest reading to determine whether the person is under the influence of alcohol, which under Alabama law is .08.
The city of Huntsville has reported the most DUI arrests in the state of Alabama for the last 15 years. The police department typically announces these DUI check points to the public. When approaching safety checkpoints, drivers are typically asked to provide a current driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Additionally, police said seat belt compliance for bother driver and all passengers will be checked.
