FHP Announces October Checkpoint Locations in Land O' Lakes
Troopers will be on the lookout for defective vehicles and improperly licensed drivers throughout Pasco County.
Have you forgotten to renew your driver’s license or maybe you’ve been putting off fixing that broken tail light?
You might want to up the priority on these tasks.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be on the lookout throughout the month of October for vehicles that have safety equipment defects and drivers who get behind the wheel without valid licenses.
According to FHP spokesman Sgt. Steve Gaskins, the checkpoints will take place throughout Pasco and other counties.
“The patrol has found these checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing the equipment and driver license laws of Florida while ensuring the protection of all motorists,” Gaskins wrote in an email. He says troopers look for such defects as worn tires, bad brakes and improperly working lighting equipment.
Though there is no exact time table for the checkpoints, Gaskins says the list does include “possible locations (where) checkpoints may be conducted. Hours may vary.”
Here are some of the roads in Pasco County that will be targeted during the checkpoints:
U.S. Highways: 41 and 301
State Roads: 54 and 52
County Roads: 1, 41, 52A, 77, 518, 575 577, 578, 579, 579A, 587, 587A, 595
Local Roads: Key Lime Drive, Hudson Avenue, Shady Hills Road, County Line Road (Pasco/Hernando), County Line Road (Hillsborough/Pasco), Thys Road, Hays Road, Hicks Road, Lock Street, Moog Road, Mile Stretch Drive, Jasmine Boulevard, Madison Street, Old Dixie Highway, Moon Lake Road, Denton Avenue, Old Pasco Road, Foam Flower Boulevard, Dayflower Boulevard, Quail Hollow Boulevard, Boyette Road, and Monteverde Drive
Patch Critic
11:44 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I support Law Enforcement until the cows come home but I do not approve of these checkpoints. Here is a tip for everyone. If you come up to one of these checkpoints, follow these steps. First, WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT. Second, if your window is up, roll it down slightly. No more than 6 inches. If its down, roll it up to that length. Do not turn on your interior light if its night. This may give them probable cause to detain you. The officer or trooper will most likely ask you where you are going, where you are coming from, and to see your documents. Do not answer anything or give them anything. Very politely ask, "Hello Officer (or Trooper), am I being detained? Am I free to go?". Do not say or ask anything else but that. You must be polite at all times. If they want you to pull to the side, then ask, "What is the purpose of this stop? Am I doing anything unlawful. Am I being detained? Am I free to go?". If you follow these directions, they will allow you to pass without further delay unless you ARE doing something unlawful. US Constitution does not allow unreasonable searches or seizures of your person or property without a warrant. NOW these roadblocks are constitutional as a compliance check and thats it. If you are an idiot driving around without a licensed vehicle or insurance or you are not wearing your seatbelt, they have probable cause to stop you. These only apply to law-abiding citizens who are properly licensed, registered, and insured.
Patch Critic
11:51 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Also, if they do detain you and ask you to step out of your car, follow these tips. Take the keys out of the ignition. Put up all the windows. Shut the door and lock all doors then place your keys in your pocket. Speak loudly and inform the Law Enforcement Officer right away you are willing to comply with any of their reasonable requests but YOU DO NOT CONSENT TO A SEARCH OR SEIZURE ON YOUR PERSON OR PROPERTY. Make it crystal clear to the everyone around you. All and all, Law Enforcement Officers are our friends. They put their life on the line everyday to keep us safe. However, when you are in the hot seat, they could be looking for something you have on you or in your car, even if you don't have anything, to do just that. Keep us all safe. Please be polite and respect all Law Enforcement Officers out there when encountering a traffic stop. They are just doing their job. Just don't allow their job put you in a bad situation. Be an informed citizen. Let them do their job without infringing on your rights.