Today, Attorney-General, the Hon. Kathy Lightbourne-Simmons successfully debated the Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint Bill in the Senate. She is pleased to know that this bill will now move to Governor Rankin’s office for final assent.
Minister of Transport and Regulatory Affairs, The Hon. Walter H. Roban commented, “It is our aim to introduce measures which will bring awareness, shape behavior and yield safer road conditions for all motorists.”
The Roadside Sobriety Bill will introduce police measures that aim to curb drunk driving, create safer road conditions for motorists and ultimately, save lives.
The Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint Bill includes three notable points:
- A road sobriety checkpoint is a specific kind of roadblock, arranged on public roads, that allows for the administration of breath tests to determine whether a motorist is driving while intoxicated. They serve to prevent motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol by detecting drivers who violate the traffic laws.
- Checkpoints can be requested by the Bermuda Police Service when there is reasonable suspicion that incidents involving the consumption of alcohol may take place (Bermuda Heroes Weekend, Cup Match, etc.) All requests must be submitted to the Senior Magistrate.
- Notice advising the public of the date and parish in which the road sobriety testing will occur will be published in the Gazette 5-14 days before the date of the checkpoint.