(1) An administrative traffic checkpoint may be established and operated upon written authority of a magistrate.
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Terms Used In Utah Code 77-23-104

  • Administrative traffic checkpoint: means a roadblock procedure where enforcement officers stop all, or a designated sequence of, motor vehicles traveling on highways and roads and subject those vehicles to inspection or testing and the drivers or occupants to questioning or the production of documents. See Utah Code 77-23-102
  • Command level officer: includes all sheriffs, heads of law enforcement agencies, and all supervisory enforcement officers of sergeant rank or higher. See Utah Code 77-23-102
  • Enforcement officer: includes :
         (4)(a) peace officers as defined in Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications;
         (4)(b) correctional officers as defined in Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications;
         (4)(c) special function officers as defined and under the restrictions of Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications; and
         (4)(d) federal officers as defined in Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications. See Utah Code 77-23-102
  • Magistrate: includes all judicial officers enumerated in Subsection 77-1-3(4). See Utah Code 77-23-102
(2) A magistrate may issue written authority to establish and operate an administrative traffic checkpoint if:

     (2)(a) a command level officer submits to the magistrate a written plan signed by the command level officer describing:

          (2)(a)(i) the location of the checkpoint including geographical and topographical information;
          (2)(a)(ii) the date, time, and duration of the checkpoint;
          (2)(a)(iii) the sequence of traffic to be stopped;
          (2)(a)(iv) the purpose of the checkpoint, including the inspection or inquiry to be conducted;
          (2)(a)(v) the minimum number of personnel to be employed in operating the checkpoint, including the rank of the officer or officers in charge at the scene;
          (2)(a)(vi) the configuration and location of signs, barriers, and other means of informing approaching motorists that they must stop and directing them to the place to stop;
          (2)(a)(vii) any advance notice to the public at large of the establishment of the checkpoint; and
          (2)(a)(viii) the instructions to be given to the enforcement officers operating the checkpoint;
     (2)(b) the magistrate makes an independent judicial determination that the plan appropriately:

          (2)(b)(i) minimizes the length of time the motorist will be delayed;
          (2)(b)(ii) minimizes the intrusion of the inspection or inquiry;
          (2)(b)(iii) minimizes the fear and anxiety the motorist will experience;
          (2)(b)(iv) minimizes the degree of discretion to be exercised by the individual enforcement officers operating the checkpoint; and
          (2)(b)(v) maximizes the safety of the motorist and the enforcement officers; and
     (2)(c) the administrative traffic checkpoint has the primary purpose of inspecting, verifying, or detecting:

          (2)(c)(i) drivers that may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
          (2)(c)(ii) license plates, registration certificates, insurance certificates, or driver licenses;
          (2)(c)(iii) violations of Title 23A, Wildlife Resources Act; or
          (2)(c)(iv) other circumstances that are specifically distinguishable by the magistrate from a general interest in crime control.
(3) Upon determination by the magistrate that the plan meets the requirements of Subsection (2), the magistrate shall sign the authorization and issue it to the command level officer, retaining a copy for the court’s file.
(4) A copy of the plan and signed authorization shall be issued to the checkpoint command level officer participating in the operation of the checkpoint.
(5) Any enforcement officer participating in the operation of the checkpoint shall conform the enforcement officer’s activities as nearly as practicable to the procedures outlined in the plan.
(6) The checkpoint command level officer shall be available to exhibit a copy of the plan and signed authorization to any motorist who has been stopped at the checkpoint upon request of the motorist.

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