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Comparative Constitutional Law Keyed to Sutton, 5th Ed.
Sitz v. Department of State Police
Citation:
506 N.W.2d 209 (1993)Facts
In 1986, Governor Blanchard directed the Michigan Department of State Police to implement a sobriety checkpoint pilot program following recommendations from the Drunk Driving Task Force. The program established checkpoints at certain sites along state highways where all motorists would be stopped and examined for signs of intoxication. The first checkpoint was conducted in Saginaw County on May 17-18, 1986, lasting from approximately 11:45 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. During this operation, 126 vehicles passed through the checkpoint with an average delay of twenty-five seconds or less. Two drivers were retained for field sobriety tests, one was arrested for driving under the influence, and a third driver who drove through without stopping was pursued and arrested. Licensed Michigan drivers filed suit seeking declaratory judgment and injunctive relief before the program’s full implementation.
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