Motorists in the U.S. Virgin Islands may encounter DUI checkpoints as they travel the roads through the Labor Day weekend, the V.I. Police Department announced Friday.
Anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol or violating any other traffic laws face tickets and fines when officers encounter them. The VIPD pointed to driving over the speed limit; aggressive driving, including cutting in and out of traffic; using a cell phone without an ear piece; texting while driving; and not obeying posted traffic signs as the kinds of violations they are looking for in an effort to protect the public.
The checkpoints, which will be held in varying parts of the territory throughout the campaign, are part of the nationwide program to curb drunken driving. The campaign slogan is “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
The nationwide crackdown traditionally takes place around the Labor Day and includes high-visibility law enforcement, high-profile events and nationally paid advertising.
The department plans to forward the names of those caught driving under the influence to the territory’s media, adding the threat of public notoriety to the fines and jail time possible.