yes, as long as it is toll free

No, it is a violation of our constitutional rights.

It will be a lot longer than 20 seconds. Traffic is bad enough, no matter what time of day. Last thing we need is for every driver to be stopped. Why can't they simply increase DUI patrols where check points would take place and only stop those who are breaking the law?

What next? Will we see text messaging, terrorist, seat belt checkpoints?

I'm not concerned about being stopped to see if I'm drunk, what worries me, is what else they may demand, or look for.

What if you are hispanic, will you be asked to provide ID to prove your citizenship?

Will they want to check your license and registration? What if you have a headlight out?

Are we really willing to subject ourselves to random searches by the government?

I think police do a good job, I don't think this is nessecary. I also can't help to wonder how many accidents and fatalities are caused by excessive speed. Should we also install 'traffic robots' to catch us doing that too?

No! No, No, NO! Is my point getting across!

I grew up in Upstate New York between 1983 and 2003 there were what we called "Road Checks" Drivers were randomly stopped at random locations at random times of the day and asked for their license and registration. The officers checked for sobriety, seatbelt, and registration expiration. I think it's an excellent idea. It saved a lot of lives in NY it'll do the same out here if we can stop whining about our right to freedom.

Stop whining about our right to freedom... "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to obtain a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." When we stop whining about our right to freedom thats when we lose it.

Give me a break! Are you folks trying to tell me that you have a constitutional right to drive impaired? I don't think so.

I've lived in several states where police conducted sobriety checkpoints, and they're no big deal. You don't have to show ID, they don't run your plate, they don't check your citizenship (although they probably should), they don't racially profile, they don't inspect your car for safety violations, etc. They check for one thing: AN IMPAIRED DRIVER.

With the number of alcohol related deaths we have on I-5 in the Puget Sound, especially wrong way driver accidents, this is a great idea.

cal has em and i was in cal on t-day wk end 05 and ran into one everyone ahead of me were detained and or arrested for a/d possession or use it is legal in most states why the hell it isn't here is beyond me the aclu has been shitcanned(lost-case) in the courts in all states but here why??i think they outta monitor the abusive bars or known bars that result in high dui rates the bars are not going to cutoof a $$ making venue(high-paying patron)regardless if wasted..it's all about $ not the wellbeing of his ability to drive..they would go out ooooof buis if they babysit the regulars and cutem off..the police should setup the ck points just down the st from known bars or hotspots that net and cutloose large volumes of dui possibles on the rd nobody goes the bar to have just a couple of drinks/beers all nite'you'd be asked to lv or give up yer table if you did that'try going out to yer local hotspot and sip a single beer from say 8-closing that's if you're not asked to lv by then..all states should use dui ck pts and setup near the hottest bars curbing the volumes of patrons knowing they are awaiting your departure onto the roads..picking the hottest culbs(popular)1st as a dragnet..will curtail the bar-owners habitual abuse of over-serving to fill his till!

I don't drink, but I think this is a definite violation of our rights, what's next?

The field-style breathalyzer tests are not accurate enough right now to be used in checkpointing. The only ones that are really accurate are the ones used at the police station. If they use those type at the checkpoints, then I'd say okay, go for it!

We MUST NOT allow continued erosion of individual rights. It's shameful that Gregoire is trying to connect 9/11 security measures as similar to her plan for unwarranted traffic stops. Preserve our personal freedoms!

I cant believe people think its ok to give up our rights. If we give up 1 right each year because "it makes sense and would save lives" where would we be in 100 years? It's called a police state.

We don't need sobriety check points. What we need is new legislation to change the penalties for DUI to 3 strikes your out. First time a mandatory 1 year in jail, 2nd time 3-5 years and 3rd is life. A man in Snohomish County was just arrested for the 16th time a couple of weeks ago, obviously there is no real penalty (just monetary). It must really affect their life in order for them to think twice before driving impaired.

Its funny to me how pepole from N.Y and California, dont understand the Washington State constitution. Maybe we should setup roadblocks at the border and stop people from other states from entering. Sounds crazy but give the police more "tools in their toolbox" and watch how they ratchet down on your rights to free travel.

Come on! I am originally from NY and they do it all the time. It is not that big of a deal. I would rather be inconvenienced than have myself or a family member killed by a drunk driver. Drunks kill more people than all other crimes combined do!!! Lets be real, if your a law biding citizen which you should be than you have nothing to worry about. You don't complain when they search every single item you own at the airport now do you? Stop whining and grow up! The only ones that complain about a rights violation are usually the ones that violate the law!!!

Yes. If I am not drunk, I have nothing to worry about. Since the location will be advertised before hand, I can avoid it. Only those breaking the law have reasons to complain about this.

Yes, I think that periodic checkpoints are fine, and I would gladly stop. I think some things to remember are:

1)Driving is NOT a right, it is a PRIVILEGE! Not everyone has the right to drive; if they don't pass the tests, if their license is revoked, if they have committed vehicular homicide, etc., they do NOT have the right to drive, nor can they do so legally!

2) It is NOT an invasion of privacy! That POV, when taken out on the road amongst the public, has become part of the public - known as traffic. Sorry, but we are NOT alone on this planet!

3) It is NOT illegal to have checkpoints! What IS illegal, anyway? Really. Is it illegal to break a law when the law isn't watching, or does it become illegal only when you get caught?! The law should be the law, whether you're caught or not! Thus, driving while affected by alcohol or drugs is always illegal.

Come on, America! Get responsible! GROW UP! Maybe we can then become a respectable country again.

I think that road blocks are an excellent idea. As long as you are doing nothing wrong you shouldn't have a problem with them either. They would be making our roads more safe to drive. I know that there are times when they can be inconvenient but I would much prefer my family and my safety over convenience. My husband is from MS and during some of our visits down their I have experienced road blocks, during the day and during the night. Every time I've been in one its ran very smoothly. I have never had a cop try to search my car unnecessarily or give me a rough time. Road blocks aren't impinging on your freedom, they are simply trying to make our roads more safe. As for field-style breathalysers, they aren't going to be checking every dang person driving through the checkpoint! They are only going to be checking those that they have suspicion of drinking and driving. AS I said before have everything you need and don't do anything wrong and you don't have to worry about the check points! Be glad you could make it home safely without being hit by a drunk driver. I rather have the freedom to dive home safely and know that I don't have to be as wary of drunk drivers than worry about a police officer checking my idea and telling me to move on.

By the way, where in the Constitution does it say I have a right to even drive? This does not violate your "Constitutional rights".

If you want to stop traffic on main roads and create traffic nightmares, then I vote no!! Is this a diversion for the lack of leadership Governor Gregoire has shone in every area in our state. She wants to give my familys hard earned money to children not covered by insurance. Does this include illegal alien children? If they are not citizens they should not expect a hand ou, when my family has had emergency room visits and we are expected to pay in full, even though we are low to middle income. Governor Gregoire hasn't done anything except come up with ways to tax Washingtonians and businesses more and more. She doesn't spend enough time at her job if she has had 4 years to read the reports on the aging ferrys and do something 4 years ago!!

The police need a new "tool in their toolbox" the only tools are Gov. Gregoire, and the people so ready to give up liberty, for the illusion of saftey.

This is a clear violation of our civil rights.Being an attorney this should be one of her main priorities period. It is very apparant that she will do anything to be relected including selling the people in her own state short. This says alot about someones character!

I don't have a problem with this. I do have a problem with our DUI laws,what a joke. Our laws are all about money and nothing else! I was arrested 2.5 years ago, court hearings ok but the bull I go through with DOL is unfair! They act like they are above the law! This even included ordering things the law did not allow them to and when called on it they changed the order BUT would not put it in writing! Bottom line, fix the laws! make it less about money and more about safety and help for those of us who needed it. I invite our Governer to contact me on this issue!

Go with the checkpoints. You have no rights when you are killed by an offending driver. What right does a drunk have to kill you..or me. Everyone makes a choice...drink or not. I suspect cabs will not be involved in this effort.

The dead have no rights, and often no voice, and our light sentencing structure here certrainly is no deterent. How refeshing it would be to expect our citizens to do the right thing, instead of whining like a stuck pig. Don't drink, and don't get caught.
Basic.

she has just lost my vote and i plan to turn every person against her i come in contact with,to lose her more votes.i am tired of the government in my life.i am tired of this phony terrorism b.s. the government tries to play off on us.they continually try to erode our rights and jack up our taxes and for what?the more we pay taxes the more we are hasseled and asked to give up our rights.she keeps wanting the rest of the state to pay for the seattle area-screw seattle-let them pay for their own roads, we have other counties that need money, but it all goes to support seattle.she said she wouldnt raise taxes and thats all she does.i will vote for ron paul to get the government out of our lives and start to regain some of our civil rights.the only terrorists i worry about is our government-state and federal,the muslims dont bother me-they arent the problem.big government is the problem!!

This is what is wrong with us, we have forgotten who we are, we are the kings and queens of this land, individual rights are the keys to liberty, not the rights of the majority, read, read, read!

"The use of the highway for the purpose of travel and transportation is not a mere privilege, but a common fundamental right of which the public and individuals cannot rightfully be deprived." Chicago Motor Coach v. Chicago, 169 NE 221

"The right of the citizen to travel upon the public highways and to transport his property thereon, either by carriage or by automobile, is not a mere privilege which a city may prohibit or permit at will, but a common law right which he has under the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Thompson v. Smith, 154 SE 579

I am not a fan of sitting along the road for an extended period waiting my turn to be checked, but I am not a fan of getting hit by a drunk either. The laws where checks are used are so weak that there is really no reason to even be stuck in one. Number 1, there is a requirement that the check be set up so anyone can turn to avoid the check. Number 2, the check must be announced (newspaper, TV, ect...) in advance so you can avoid it. Unless you are too drunk to comphehend what is going on, you can avoid it if you want to. They are looking for criminals just like they would be if they did a roadblock looking for the killer of your daughter. I do agree with someone earlier who said to increase the punishment, that might deter drivers from drinking and driving. I think the first offense should be a week in jail, and the second time, years in jail.

Violation of our rights! Give me a break! Maybe if you drive impaired! What are you so worried about!! What if someone you loved was killed by a drunk! Would you still be concerned about "Violation of my rights!" You probably think illegal aliens have the right to our social security because for some God awful reason you think "They have right's too, don't they?" Hey if they checked for citizinship at checkpoints IT'S ABOUT TIME!!! More power to em!

I have always been a strong democrat but the govenor is pushing my limits. I believe for 98% of us that obey the law it is a total violation of our rights for mandatory check points. I do not want drunk drivers on the road any more than anyone else but this law goes way to far. If this govenor continues to push for these mandatory check points I hope she does not run for re-election because this will be the first time this democrat will be voting for the other team. I do not want to live in a police state that requires me to check in when I go for a nice peacefull drive. Thank you for supporting our freedom Mrs. Govenor. (NOT)

"Complete freedom of the highways is so old and well established a blessing that we have forgotten the days of the Robber Barons and toll roads, and yet, under an act like this, arbitrarily administered, the highways may be completely monopolized, if, through lack of interest, the people submit, then they may look to see the most sacred of their liberties taken from them one by one, by more or less rapid encroachment." Robertson vs. Department of Public Works, 180 Wash 133, 147.

Please consider Dr.Ron Paul for your next President stop the assault on our rights.

The right to drive is a priviledge earned. Being stopped is a small price to pay to keep others safe. Be responsible for your own actions.
The laws seem to protect the criminal and not the victims. If you are following the laws you should not have anything to worry about.

We should give the police the right to randomly come into our homes and make sure were not all drinking and getting in fights with our spouces as well. After all, it would save lives as well right?

If it was a matter of being stopped ok. But not police check-points. Doesn't police check-point sound like maybe we are in the middle east not the united states?

NO ! We should not ignore the provisions in our constitution which prohibit intrusion into our lives.

No - total violation of my rights against search. Do we still have a Constitution?

I don't mind, altho it is an inconvenience. I surely don't want to be in one of those horrific drunk driving accidents. I just want to be treated with respect if I am stopped. No tazers or accidental shooting me cuz I looked at the police funny or reached into my pocket too fast. Oh my... this is starting to sound like a very scary stop. Maybe I better stay home and not drive anymore. Police State? Is this the start of Big Brother? Oh my.

Yes. Driving while under the influence is illegal. This is a tool the police can use to save innocent citizens from death. It is time that we stop drunk drivers with whatever means possible.

Yes. DUI is an epidemic and, lest we forget, a crime. There are only two ways to catch a drunk driver, in advance of an accident by enforcement or after a tragedy. I vote for doing it before tragedy strikes.

This is contrary to everything personal liberty stands for. Im afraid our country has indeed traded personal responsibility ie. not driving durnk, for the notion of security and with that, one step closer to a police state. "Dont fret precious Im here." Chris Gregoire is going to slay those evil drunk drivers you'll see. Why must this nanny state find a way into every aspect of our lives? Less is best!

While I understand that the Governors intent is to reduce the number of fatalities due to DUI, I don’t believe that giving up our right to privacy and our right not to be randomly searched by the police, is a price that any Washington resident should be willing to pay!
We are continually chipping away, at our rights in this country and our legal system lets one thing turn into another or let’s one law justify the proposal of another.
I don’t believe for a minute that once people were stopped under the premise of DUI inspection that the officers who generate revenue for the state by issuing tickets, would not take advantage of the opportunity at hand to issue citations for any other violation they might come across in their search. This clearly puts us in the same situation as dictatorships and allows unreasonable searches of our person as well as our property. I believe this law would pave the way for many more to come. Should we let police search our homes... because some people have chosen have gambling in their homes or to make crack cocaine in their homes? Sure many terrible things go on in a small percentage of people’s homes. But it is the duty of our government to catch people during or after a crime has been committed. It is not their right to invade everyone else’s right to privacy or the privacy of their vehicles or to detain or delay some one who has done nothing to justify being searched, just to allow them to fish and see what they can find. Lets hang on to the rights we still have Americans!

I THINK THAT DRUNK DRIVERS GET OFF TOO EASY NOW. WE NEED TO HAVE STRONGER PENALTIES AND JAILTIME FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE CHECKPOINTS EVERY WEEKEND. JUST 2 DAYS AGO A DRUNK DRIVER TOOK OUT A BUS STOP 1/2 A BLOCK FROM MY HOUSE. MY KIDS JUST GOT HOME FROM BOWLING 5 MINUTES BEFORE THIS IDIDOT WAS ON THE ROAD. I HATE TO THINK MY CHILDREN COULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR KILLED. GOOD FOR YOU GOVENOR. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

This is a huge violation of our rights!

Do I condone drunk driving? Absolutely not! One of the beauties of being American is being able to travel freely without question, as long as you are not breaking the law.

I feel it is a huge mistake for the govenor to equate sobriety check points to the security at a courthouse or the airport. First off, a drunk driver is not the same as a hijacker of a plane, or a armed person. The money that will be spent on these check points would be better off being put towards education programs and transportation alternatives.

I am a Iraq veteran who recently returned home...guess what they have in Iraq...CHECKPOINTS! Are we really moving forward?

The argument of "If you follow the law you have nothing to worry about" is a crock. If that is the case, why should law enforcement need to get search warrants before entering one's home? Why shouldn't they just randomly search everyones homes for meth labs since that is killing so many people? I mean if your following the law you should have nothing to hide, right?

It is really sad that our state government would propose to randomly stop, for no reason, every citizen on the road to try to reduce drunk driving. Maybe if our public transportation wasn't such a joke less people would take to the road after drinking.

It is too bad for Gov. Gregoire, I would have voted for her again if it was not for this proposal alone. I promise that I will try to sway EVERYONE I know to not vote for her because of this issue. I was just thinking that she was a great state official too.

It may seem like no big deal, it's only twenty seconds. But this will become a slippery slope, new justifications for losing our rights won't be far around the corner...

This is a huge violation of our rights!

Do I condone drunk driving? Absolutely not! One of the beauties of being American is being able to travel freely without question, as long as you are not breaking the law.

I feel it is a huge mistake for the govenor to equate sobriety check points to the security at a courthouse or the airport. First off, a drunk driver is not the same as a hijacker of a plane, or a armed person. The money that will be spent on these check points would be better off being put towards education programs and transportation alternatives.

I am a Iraq veteran who recently returned home...guess what they have in Iraq...CHECKPOINTS! Are we really moving forward?

The argument of "If you follow the law you have nothing to worry about" is a crock. If that is the case, why should law enforcement need to get search warrants before entering one's home? Why shouldn't they just randomly search everyones homes for meth labs since that is killing so many people? I mean if your following the law you should have nothing to hide, right?

It is really sad that our state government would propose to randomly stop, for no reason, every citizen on the road to try to reduce drunk driving. Maybe if our public transportation wasn't such a joke less people would take to the road after drinking.

It is too bad for Gov. Gregoire, I would have voted for her again if it was not for this proposal alone. I promise that I will try to sway EVERYONE I know to not vote for her because of this issue. I was just thinking that she was a great state official too.

It may seem like no big deal, it's only twenty seconds. But this will become a slippery slope, new justifications for losing our rights won't be far around the corner...

Please allow these random stops. My father in-law has been driving home drunk for 10 years straight. He is going to kill somebody one of these days. Something needs to be put in place to make him think twice next time.

Come on people. The real reason why serious criminals get set free are because of people like you cry babies always complaining of the government invading one of your rights. Lets be real for a minute. Right now you are complaining that it is a violation of your rights but if tomorrow (may this never happen to you) one of your family members were killed by a drunk you would sue the state for millions for not preventing this. Why? Because that is how people are when it dosen't work out the way they want it to. If most of you do your research you will find that the Washington Constitution is far more restrictive than the US Constitution. Where most states have DUI checkpoints and do not have all the red tape to keep you and your families safe Washington is an all for the criminal state. Most states it is a felony on your second or third DUI violation. Not here, the laws are created and enforced by the people YOU elect. So I am greatful that the Governor is trying to make a difference and keep us safe and she has started in right direction. I want my daughter to have the right to go out with her friends and come home safely if that means that they would have to go through a checkpoint or two so be it. It is a sacrifice I am willing to make. I am an Iraq Veteran as well And for all the Veterans complaining you joined your service branch to defend this country WITHOUT question. So you knew when you joined if we went to war we would invade countries, kill people, and destroy lives. But that was a price we were willing to make to ensure the safety of this country. But now you are going to complain about a checkpoint to see if you impaired or not!!! Come on now!!! And in Iraq we do have checkpoints they are used for safety and security not for impaired drivers but may I add they still work!!!

Matt: I believe the oath the military swears is to defend the constitution from all invaders foreign or domestic. Well heres your chance.

Total failue of Government!
This is a symptom of failure of leadership of family values!

Check points...I don't drink or use drugs. I am totally against drunk driving; however, her check point idea violates my rights. It is past time for the state to crack down with law which have teeth. 1st DUI-6 months in jail (and that means 6 months). NO TIME OFF FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR. You are expected to have good behavior....don't and we add time to your sentence. Also 1 year loss of drivers license. 2nd DUI and it is 2 years in jail (same on good behavior), loss of drivers license for 5 years and unless the vehicle being driven was previously reported as stolen, vehicle is confiscated and sold to help fund the DUI corrective process. Same if caught driving while drivers license is suspended. 3rd DUI--same as 2nd except we say good bye...sentence 10 years. No exceptions. It is long past time to get serious about the problem. And having talked with individuals who have lived in check point states...it does not stop DUI. She is just living in a fantasy world if she thinks check points will stop drunk driving!

Having come from a country where RBT's (Random Breath Tests) are an everyday occurrence, if they were introduced into Washington State, I would welcome it! No, I'm not a US Citizen and therefore, not as stringent on constitutional rights, but as far as I am concerned on constitutional rights, I would take the position of "I have the right to travel the states roads with safety", and if I uphold the law and a State Trooper pulls me over for a sobriety test of any kind, I would THANK him. I admit, I'm not a huge fan of Gov. Gregoire, but I do support her on this one!

Just an addendem, on any large sporting event day, you would find them everywhere!

Those of you out there that would be planning on a Super Bowl party next month, under the system I grew up with, you would more than likely have a "Booze Bus" parked down the street (and for those planning on going a "back road" home, would run into one around the corner as well!

I lived in Eastern NC a few years back and only ran into a checkpoint (on some backroad in the middle of nowhere) only once the 13 months I resided there. I came around the corner and there were the two patrol cars. The officer asked if I had been drinking that night (1am) and let me know the state law regarding switching my car and driver's license to NC. I asked about what would have happened if I had turned around when I saw the lights. Just at that moment a car in the distance did just that and an officer in another car took off since its illegal in NC to avoid the checkpoints. Had I not engaged the officer I would have been stopped less than a minute or two. When I returned the same path a few hours later a tow truck was there picking up the cars that were in front of me and behind me in the line.

I'm not a fan of random searches, but just let everyone know in a blanket statement that, "DUI checkpoints will be erected statewide."
Dont drive hammered, dont get nailed. Take a cab. Call a friend. Get a DD. In fact get a free ride home with www.annasridehome.org

Get used to it, REAL ID is coming next.
Pretty soon you'll be chipped when you're born, because it's for your own saftey.

Well, from some of the pathetic posts here whining about "my rights are being violated", I guess I have to conclude that the alcoholics are online in force..

Check points are fine. They do them in 39 other states and it's frankly just too bad. This has nothing to do with your "personal rights". The fact is that people are not stopping use of alcohol and drugs while driving and it needs to stop.

Driving drunk is not a right and it needs to stop. I support the governor on this issue.

No because it inhibits people's freedom of mobility. The federal government's buildings are different from public lands (in response to the governor's analogy to courtroom searches). Liberty and freedom from unwarranted government intrusion are the bedrock of a real democracy.

That would be a watershed event. I don't want drunk drivers on the road, but I don't want state sanctioned road blocks or random pull-overs where citizens are stopped and scrutinized by the police. Say NO, to anything that begins to resemble a police state. It's only a side step to reducing constituational rights to un warranted search and seizure. Not only that, where are the dollars going to come from to pay for the program?
Please stop ruling us with the wooden ruler Mother Gregoire!

I do not agree with it. I have to leave an hour early to go to the VA hospital 65 miles away.
So how do you make up for being pushed back 2 months for the next appointment, or for the speeding ticket you get trying to make up the lost time at the sobriety check point.
Or the wreck you have trying to get to your job or appointment on time after spending your time at the line up.
Besides, if we give up our liberties, the guys who want to take them away don't have to bother.

This sounds like a great idea. Random checks to ensure people are obeying the law makes perfect sense. I'm thinking we should have random resident checks... you know, checking to make sure folks aren't doing anything illegal. Gregoire is a genius.

This is very wrong based on the attitudes of the self-righteous who are NOT in the majority. They already do illegal pullovers for seat belt use, proof of insurance, a burnt-out light, etc. It is clearly entrapment. Once I was driving to my home early on a Sunday morning (not intoxicated) and a Seattle cop was on my left side. This guy firmly wanted me to be his first "bust" of the day. Sorry, pal. I wasn't drunk, speeding, or anything. Go on to your next prey, Nazi.

I want to ask a related question that I have never heard a good answer to. Some one please tell me why alcohol is the only commodity I know of that the price has not increased at the same rate as everything else in the last 40 years. When I was a teenager cigarettes for instance sold for 18 cent per pack. Now I guess they are selling for over 4 dollar a pack. In the same period of time a (24)case of beer or a fifth of fair quality whiskey only increased from about 5 or 6 dollars to about 25 to 30 dollars. Compare an approximate 2000% increase for cigarettes to about a 500% increase for alcohol. If you check it out you will find that virtually every other item you can name has increased a lot closer to the 2000% than to the 500%. Can some one give me a reason for this other than the possibility that the government is subsidising the industry in some way? I don't know but I have sure wondered for years.

I spent over 40 year driving trucks across this country and I am here to tell you that when a cop pulls you over here can find something to give you a ticket for if he tries. You may be having a bad day and say something the sets him off and you are in big trouble. like I said he will find something wrong. How about if they just enforce the law and quit subsidizing the liquor industry and they won't have to make us all pay for what a few people do.

A Police State. . .
Please Look up Nazi Germany.

"What did i do wrong officer?"
"I dont know yet, let me rummage through your belongings and I'll come up with something."

As I Like to say. . .
"I no longer live in America,
I live in the state of Washington

Wake up people, we're rapidly turning into a communist state. Anything for the commong good, right? From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.

This place is beginning to feel like the peoples republic of kalifornia!

Sobriety check points? I remember how they pushed through the mandatory seatbelt law by promising that it would be a secondary offense and that first you must be stopped for another violation. Only then did they promise that you would be cited for the secondary offense of not wearing your seatbelt. Now it's "click it or ticket!"

Gregoire's idea of sobriety checkpoints fosters just another failure of democracy. Of course, it's a violation of our constitutional rights disguised as an inconvenience.

How about random Tazer stations too. What a Joke!
How about a fair election for the next governer.

Only if the government also starts illegal immigrant checkpoints as well.

Brad in Seattle

Keep giving up your liberties folks, next thing you know, you will be OK with the state controlling the thermostat in your home too.

Don't know what I am talking about? Google "California thermostat control".

You really wanna fight drunken driving? Make the laws tougher!! Quit letting these repeat offenders get off so easy!! Quit turning them loose while still drunk only to find them driving again a couple of hrs later!!

Big Brother.... Need I say more?

It heartens me to see the majority of Washington's citizens still value the pricipals set forth by our constitution. Make no mistake, this is an ongoing assult on the values that those in this country some 230 years ago cherished so much as to fight a revolution to defend.

I don't think that sobriety check points will work for a couple of reasons. The first is that the area targeted for these check points must be announced prior to the event, and most people will just avoid that particular area by finding alternate routes.

The second is that every police department (as well as the State Patrol) in Western Washington are extremely understaffed. Taking these officers off the streets to run these checkpoints is just plain stupid.

Also, who is going to pay for those found driving drunk to be booked into jail and have their vehicles towed? Please don't tell me that one of the officers or troopers will just take them home after being cited. This is what the State Patrol does to avoid paying the huge booking fees at our jails. And who is going to be responsible for paying these officers/troopers the overtime that they will be working. Let me guess...us taxpayers.

Toughening our State's very sad DUI laws and enforcing them is vital if we are going to reduce DUI fatilities and injuries. Stick it to the offender in the wallet and we might see a change for the better. Throwing more taxpayer dollars at the problem is NOT the answer.

Common sense goes a very long way in coming up with a solution to this unnecessary crime. Toughen our laws and force the offenders to pay for their crime(s).

I pray that no family is forced to go through the agony and years of court dates mine did when my brother was killed. Sadly it continues to occur on a daily basis.

In case anyone out there hasn't figured it out yet, we need to realize that for every safety provision we get a freedom is taken away. As an example, we all know that race cars have a much higher crash survival rate than a street car, but look inside the cockpit and see how much freedom of movement he has given up to achieve this safety. With the restraint harness and other safety feature he has very little freedom of movement. you may want that safety but we wouldn't put up with the restraints. EVERY THING IN LIFE IS A TRADE OFF. We have to decide when we have reached a balance point. Personally I think we have long sense passed it. If you want complete safety why not go to a prison isolation unit. I would guess that would be pretty safe if that is all you want out of life

Bob in Randle

People forget that their Constitutional rights only extend to the point at which they deprive others of those same rights.

Re: the suggestion of 6 months in jail for a first DUI. Great idea, just how do you propose we pay for it? The DUI driver who loses his job because he's in jail won't be paying for it. Are you willing to have a jail or prison put in your back yard? Are you willing to pay the salaries of the corrections officers and support staff to run the jails? Are you willing to pay for the courts, police, prosecutors, public defenders and expert witnesses for the thousands of additional trials that will occur each year? No one will plead guilty to an automatic six months in jail. You can have as much criminal justice as you're willing to pay for, and the voters of Washington have shown over and over that they won't pay a dime more than they absolutely have to and then only if they personally derive a benefit.

So back to the question: should we have roadblocks? You know, it just doesn't matter what your opinion is. The only opinions that will matter are those of the nine judges on the state Supreme Court. Or amend the state constitution.

POLICE STATE 101

BIG BROTHER 102

IT MUST STOP NOW!

AS FOR THE SHEEPALE, THERE WILL ALWAY BE THE IGNORANCE.

1776 RON PAUL 2008

I have a couple of concerns about this issue.
First, how about the state closes all thier liquor stores. Why should they be in the business of SELLING alcohol when they are so concerned about the actions of those who drink? 2nd, when there are DUI check points, any serious drinking person will take back roads and avoid the police anyway.
3rd, why is it ok to detain the 80-90% of the law abiding citizens to catch a "possible" few.

I do not drink, and I am disgusted that this is even being considered. I will certainly feel violated if our family is subject to these so called "safety checks"!

I hope Rossi cleans her clock on the next election!

Our servicemen aren't out there fighting the bad guys so we at home can give up our and their rights to freedom here at home. We've lost enough freedom already to make our Forefathers wince in their graves. Let's keep the few freedoms we have left. If the New Yorkers and Californians don't like it, they can go back where they came from.

They were in Ohio too. Honestly, in most cases, the bars pretty much advertised where they'd be. They can be effective against the stupid drinkers, no so much against the more aware.
What Ohio did have that this state SHOULD is the random mailings by the state to check your insurance. It costs the state under a dollar to send it out, all automated, and the cost basically comes from your registration fees. You have 10 days to mail or fax in your proof of insurance, or your license is suspended! Caused our insurance rates to go down as more people became insured. This state needs that! Seriously, we have too many uninsured drivers out here! What happens when you get hit by them?

And remember...driving is a privledge, not a right. Unfortunately these checkpoints do remind me of the old Cold War movies that were set behind the iron curtain..."papers please!"
Its kind of like we are becoming what we defeated!

Its all about the money. The
democrats wont be happy untilyour paycheck is on direct deposit to the government. Sad part is the average person around here actually thinks that democrats care about them.

You may believe you have nothing to lose-- or choose to relinquish your constitutional rights, But you have no right to ask me to give mine up. Keep your intrusions to yourself. Further, as has been pointed out, this unreasonable and unconstitutional search will have little to no effect on the larger problem. Since the areas with checkpoints will be 'advertised' before hand, and those that really have the worst records, as has also been pointed out-- will ignore all attempts to stop them.

So what's the point? Over and over evidence that the 'system' simply can't manage this problem proves that completely different approach is necessary to reduce our dependence on alcohol related revenues. For, as I have noticed, every single 'drinking' establishment has parking spaces... instead of taxis.

While any case of DUI and resulting property damage or harm to others is tragic I must say no to this one. Our civil rights are currently under attack in this country and sobriety check-points are a violation of our constitutional rights. It is illeagle search and seizure regardless of it intent. I'm not going to put a conspiracy theory on it but if our police officers spent more time doing patrols instead of running plates in parking lots looking for a maybe warrant you might see a greater reduction in DUI drivers. Gregoire has done a decent job in her four years but this kind of behavior in an election year could cost her alot of votes, mine included. Focus on the real problems in this state right now (high taxes/ transportation) instead of trying to distract us with this measure that will result in litigation and lawsuits from unfairly prosecuted victims of illeagle search and seizure.

If they can only check being drunk then sure! You dont have a constitutional right to drive drunk... You shouldn't be checking the registration, ethnicity, trunks, or pockets of the people you stop but if they are drunk sure! Pull them off the road. Being a motorcyclist I think they should take most of the cars off the road since they never seem to look where they are going anyway but especially the drunks. You don't get the right to drive drunk guys!

I OUTGREW DRINKING YEARS AGO,BUT THIS SOUNDS LIKE A BUNCH OF NAZI CRAPPOLA!
HOW ABOUT ALL BARS,AND LOUNGES,TAVERN ECT. HAVE BREATH MACHINES REQUIRED BY LAW,LETS SAY FOR A BUCK YOU COULD CHECK ON IMPAIRMENT.
THE WSP COULD WRITE A LOT OF TICKETS IF THEY'D START WITH PEOPLE WHOM DON'T USE TURN SIGNALS.

Is Gov Gregoire kidding? There is a HUGE difference between going into a airport/fed courthouse and driving a car. One involves a public place & the other is a PRIVATE, SELF-OWNED place. They have no right to do this. Isn't this unconstitutional? Has anyone ever heard of the amendment for illegal search & seizure? I think it's #6. Anyway, if they really want to catch drunk drivers they should set up more patrols outside the myriad of Seattle bars which have a reputation for overserving (and there are a lot). And what would be the point of sobriety checkpoints if you advertise when/where they are? If I was going to drive drunk & I heard of a sobriety checkpoint, I'd just take another route. I swear we must have some of the stupidest legislators in the universe.

I won't stop.

I don't have time to be treated like 5 year old by some wannabe cop looking for a easy bust to get out of doing lame traffic stops on the westside of washington.

As for wrong way drivers look to the lack of signage the DOT has not put up when they completely change an intersection overnight...

Its criminal the way the do these changes on the 405 on and off ramps. I call them the state sponsored terrorists for the complete disdain for safety of the public when they do these "progressive" intersection designs.

And ohh our soon to be former gov has lost any favor in my pocket book.

When I heard this I thought of better ideas:

1. Since the state gets paid for every drink how about they be held liable for profiting from someone's alcoholism.

2. If you want drunks off the roads then why do we allow parking lots for bars? Do we honestly think they are going to walk home from there?

3. And honestly how many people drink then walk home from a Mariners game or Seahawks game? Why doesnt the police care there? Because its acceptable social behavior.

4. Dont want drunk drivers? Then dont allow chilled alcohol to be sold by convenience stores. this doesn't inconvenience me by stopping traffic which already sucks.

NO, absolutely unacceptable that my God given constitutional rights would be not only infringed on, but actually taken away by a mere human? Unacceptable. True, it's a example of what would be the few ruining it for the masses. Whether the drunks or the govenor abusing our liberty and freedom in the United States of America! Why not simply make it a ZERO tollerance state like others have. Why not just be really damn hard on those that are found jeapordising the wellfair of the other citizens. I may never drink, but I should never be pulled over and inspected and treated under a forward and overt measure of authority in the name of someone else...

What about those who are prescribed several varying medications that may not inhibit them to drive, but would most likely show up on screening tests. Would you have to have prove of the prescribed medication? Or would be all be at the same demise.

I 110% do not support drunk driving. My boyfriend was severely injured after a drunk driver hit him. She had 21 DUI's and is still driving the roads. Every time I leave the house on a weekend or holiday, theres a spot in my brain that reminds me I have no control over people driving under the influence. With this law I feel my mind will be somewhat put to rest on the fact I don't have to worry (as much).

I always thought that if I could do anything to even remotely insure mine and my family's safety on the road I would.

This is somewhat agreeable only to the point that we should temporarily give it try. If its too much of a hassle and people grow apposed to it. Then possibly more extreme punishment for those who do get caught.

If drunks are willing to put our lives in jeopardy, revoke their lisence entirely. They should learn their lesson.

I want specifics, gregoire you better put this into detail. Or else you may lose your place in office.

For the people by the people. Why arent the people being listened to.

Step up America you have to know your rights.

We should throw people in jail for being obese and having high cholesterol. Heart disease kills 38 times more Americans than drunk drivers.

Check the facts:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/deaths.htm
http://www.alcoholalert.com/drunk-driving-statistics-2003.html

Absolutely not!!!I lived in MD. Cops out of Annapolis would have traffic backed up 500-1500 cars just to nab a couple of tee-totalers!!! They sure did bust 200 other cars for EVERYTHING OTHER THAN DWI!!!! And announcing the checkpoint is an absolute farce. It is always a two sentence blurb stuffed in the back of the paper that nobody would see. I moved to WA to get away from all of MD's garbage and big brother nannyism. Anyone that agrees with this needs to move the hell away and lock themselves in a box for safety. Rossi has my vote once again!!!!

I have lost several people to drunk driving, and it is one of the most unfair crimes. A charge of vehicular homicide is a total and complete joke!

That being said, Checkpoints are not the way to solve the problem. First of all, people need to be smart before they go drinking. Arrange a DD! Yes, a person who doesn't drink AT ALL! What a concept, especially for the young twenties crowd!

Secondly the laws need to be strengthened. I just came back from Europe, and we had a situation where a young man driving a car lost control and rolled the vehicle. A young woman was killed because she wasn't wearing her seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. The young man is going to jail for it. They make the driver take much more responsibility. You get caught with a DUI, your license is gone. Not temporarily...permanently. If you want it back you have to petition the judge to receive it back, and from what I hear it's pretty tough and you can count on walking everywhere for at least 4-5 years.

People need to go to jail for drunk driving. Period. No, 6 months in jail OR a $5000 fine. Send them to jail, and fine them enough to compensate the state for the time they were in prison so it doesn't come out of tapayers pockets. And if you kill someone while drunk driving, it should be considered 1st degree murder, because you knowingly got behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated, knowing what could happen.

No to Checkpoints, Yes to harsher laws against drunk driving!

No checkpoints. Answer me this: Why is this even in consideration? I turn on the news and hear stories about people with 13 DUIs. Are you KIDDING me??!?! And we think we need RANDOM STOPS?!?!? Oh, HERES an idea...how about 3 strikes and you're out. Stop raping our civil liberties and wasting taxes when the answer is infront of you.

I would love to see the guy's schedule that says:

THINGS TO DO TODAY:
-Brush teeth
-setup DUI check point
-Give Johnny Drinksalot his license back for the 12th time

GIVE ME A BREAK.

FIX THE PROBLEM - STOP CREATING OTHERS!!!

So let me get this straight...the checkpoints are going to be publicized ahead of time? So every drunk person will know to drive a different way and every sober person is going to be inconvenienced. We should be spending our money on other things or maybe even doing something about drunk driving before a 3rd, 4th, or 13th offense occurs.

No.....because it's an infringment on my civil liberties. Being stopped by the police without cause is wrong.
This time - they want to stop and check for alcohol - next, they might want to stop and check to see if I have my seatbelt on, or if my tire pressure is correct or if I'm transporting illegal aliens or or or or?????

BY NO MEANS CONFUSE MY DESIRE TO PROTECT MY CIVIL LIBERTIES WITH GETTING CITIZENS TO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think the penalty for drinking and driving should be PERMANENT loss of your license first offense. Second offense - 1 year hard labor (like building roads or fixing pot holes).
Society as a whole NEEDS to deter it's citizens from the practice of drinking and driving.
It HAS to become part of our culture.

Give me a break ! Driving is
a privilege NOT a right. I
totally agree with harsher
penalties for any DUI, but
first you have to agree that
this is a privilege that can
be misused and thus can be
lost. Get them off OUR sts !

So, while 10 officers are manning the "checkpoint" on Gregoire Dr., Joe Drunk is 3 streets away swerving his way home. Not only is this a violation of my rights, it is a stupid way to make revenue collection easier from a small sample of "impaired" drivers.

So, while 10 officers are manning the "checkpoint" on Gregoire Dr., Joe Drunk is 3 streets away swerving his way home. Not only is this a violation of my rights, it is a stupid way to make revenue collection easier from a small sample of "impaired" drivers.

Absolutely not.

I won't talk to them.

Have someone you love killed by a drunk driver...then maybe you would be singing a different tune!

They say it's in the name of saving lives, it's not though. The people implementing the police state agenda, don't care about lives(that can be proven) what they care about is gaining control of society in the name of "doing good" Take your police state and your new world order and shove it Christine.

Keep pushing the American people closer to Revolution, the government seems to want it. Bizarre.

As much as I dislike being stopped for anything while driving, I totally support random testing for drunk driving. I can't understand why this state continues to let people drive drunk. I support putting them in prison for 5 years on a 3rd offense and that is the minimum. I despise all of you drunk drivers with all my heart.

No!
Start looking for another job, Christine. Most of my working class friends and I voted for you the last time. I don't know anyone who would vote for you again. You have gone too far on this.
Time for a change

If I am going to temporarily defer my constitutional right for such a roadblock, then I am going to do it right (for the safety of everyone). I want a supervisor present, and I want two blood tests taken (to be sent to separate labs). Strict adherence to evidenciary rules _will_ be followed. I'll wait alongside the road until they get the results, just so they can make certain of what I already know: That I don't drive drunk.

The short answer is "NO, I will not submit to such illegal searches."

After reading most of the Comments here about this subject. I honestly can see both sides of the road here.

However I do have to agree with some of the other commenter’s here.

Bottom line is....

Driving is a PRIVELIDGE. Not you’re constitutional right. And as far as I am concerned If Washington State tells me that I may be Subject to random Dui checkpoints ETC, then that is a law that I will have to abide-by in order to continue enjoying the Privilege that I have.

This proposed NEW law is defiantly NOT violating ANY of my rights as an American.

In Iraq where I served for 1 year, we put up checkpoints all the time, reason for that...TO PROTECT INOCCENT PEOPLE from possible threats of ANY kind.

After reading most of the Comments here about this subject. I honestly can see both sides of the road here.

However I do have to agree with some of the other commenter’s here.

Bottom line is....

Driving is a PRIVELIDGE. Not you’re constitutional right. And as far as I am concerned If Washington State tells me that I may be Subject to random Dui checkpoints ETC, then that is a law that I will have to abide-by in order to continue enjoying the Privilege that I have.

This proposed NEW law is defiantly NOT violating ANY of my rights as an American.

In Iraq where I served for 1 year, we put up checkpoints all the time, reason for that...TO PROTECT INOCCENT PEOPLE from possible threats of ANY kind.

Alright, listen... I have been pulled over for everything from suspicious Driving after circling the block 3 times trying to find a perticular business in a commercial Zone of town to being arrested suspected DUI which really had them thrown for a loop when I blew a point .001. My body can actually produce that much alcohol on its own. So was Warren Moon really a danger when he was pulled over not for suspected dui, or weaving or heading the wrong way down the one way street. Nope He had bad tabs, but a great tool to keep DUI's on the fore-front of everyones neurotic minds (Okay maybe a little abbrassive, I appologize). Reality is no one, except your family, is ever going to care about your individual safety unless it is of monotary gain to them especially the government that the police work for. Along with that goes the truth that inhibited this will not truelly do anything but lead to the occasional arrest of some one who is dumb enough to be seen turning around before of trying to pass through one of these check points. So do yourself a favor Protect your rights.

It is an excellent idea if it will save only one life from death by a drunk driver. While in Hawaii on vacation the use of a road block to check for drunk driving was highly advertised before a said weekend so people should have been aware but there were still those who ignored the warning. It may be a slight inconvience but if you have not been drinking in excess you are gone in a matter of short minutes. When it come to drinking and driving I don't believe that comes under "constitutional rights"...all you cry babies...where in the constitution does it state that you have the right to go out and drive while under the influence?

This Governor is "Outta Control" !

Sure, i'd be up for a check. AND when they find out i'm sober, i expect to be handed a 100 dollar bill for 'my trouble' and wasting what precious time i have left in my life.

Great idea, if you live in communist China.

Hi-I was up in Vancouver, BC and they have them up there. Who wants to go through one of these checkpoints? I'll tell you up there they are nailing people for probabtionary license violations (Not having the L or N sign properly posted) and every other thing under the sun. This is an excuse they can use to stop you and find any and all possible things they don't like, not just about sobriety. It's a violation of our freedoms.