DWI Roadblock Targets Bike Week

The State Police have announced that they have obtained authorization for a so-called "Sobriety Checkpoint" - a dragnet used to detect impaired drivers that often results in arrests for other crimes such as drug possession or driving on a suspended license - for the weeks of June 12 and June 19, 2016.

DWI Roadblock Targets Motorcyclists

NH's world-famous "Laconia Bike Week" begins tomorrow, Saturday, June 11 and runs through Sunday, June 19, 2016. Every year that this event is held, we see multiple arrests of motorcyclists by local and State Police, typically for DWI and drug-related offenses. This year, you can expect to see alot more, thanks to this DWI roadblock which will be held in the heart of the Lakes Region where the motorcyclists congregate.

State Police Gauntlet to Run Through Heart of Lakes Region

The town of New Hampton is right in the heart of the Lakes Region and is also the gateway to NH's White Mountains, as Interstate Route 93 runs right through the middle of the town. It borders Laconia, where Bike Week is held, and Meredith and Bristol, where many bikers stay in hotels, camp, and frequent restaurants and bars during their vacation week.

Do DWI Roadblocks Violate the State or Federal Constitution?

A page on our site discusses the legality of DWI Checkpoints or Roadblocks. Two key components of a lawful checkpoint are obtaining judicial authorization from the Superior Court, and publicizing the roadblock ahead of time. According to the coverage in the Concord Patch, it looks like this roadblock meets both of these requirements.

Stay Safe and Beware of Roadblocks

Each and every year, several motorcyclists die in traffic accidents during Bike Week. Ride safely, stay alert, do not ride impaired, and beware of DWI Roadblocks, because they're coming to disrupt Bike Week.