Texas considers sobriety checkpoint law

Should Texas have sobriety checkpoints?

It's a question state lawmakers will consider once again during the upcoming legislative session.

Texas is one of 12 states in which the checkpoints aren't allowed.

The Texarkana, Texas Police Department is in favor of the DWI checkpoints.

Spokesperson Steve Shelley believes the law would be highly effective.

"We would definitely support the checkpoints, it would give us more of an opportunity to get impaired drivers off the road," said Sgt. Shelley.

The checkpoints are stops along the road where police officers can check passing cars for intoxicated drivers.

Texas has not had any sobriety checkpoints since 1994, when the court system ruled that the checkpoints were unconstitutional.

Opponents of the bill still claim the checkpoints violate a person's "rights to be left alone."

DWI checkpoints are conducted in neighboring states including Louisiana and Arkansas.

"We don't do random vehicles, we don't do every fourth vehicle. We check everybody, said Kristi Mitchell, Texarkana, Arkansas Police Spokesperson.

Mitchell says they conduct checkpoints throughout the year, but "how many" usually depends on available grant funds.

She says the checkpoints are successful because it takes drunk drivers off the streets and saves lives.

The legislature will convene on January 8th.

Officials will also ask that ignition interlocks become mandatory for first-time DWI offenders.