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Cle Elum DUI Checkpoints: What You Need to Know

If you’re driving in or near Cle Elum, it’s important to understand how DUI enforcement works—and what’s not legal. While Washington prohibits DUI checkpoints, officers can still stop drivers who show signs of impairment. If arrested, your case will likely go through Cle Elum Municipal Court.

This article explains what Cle Elum DUI checkpoints are (and aren’t), how DUI stops occur legally, and what to expect in court.

No. DUI checkpoints—where police stop vehicles at random—are not legal in Washington. In Seattle v. Mesiani (1988), the Washington Supreme Court ruled that sobriety checkpoints violate Article I, Section 7 of the state constitution, which protects against warrantless searches.

🔗 Seattle v. Mesiani – Landmark DUI Checkpoint Case

This decision means that DUI checkpoints cannot be set up in Cle Elum or anywhere else in Washington.

How DUI Enforcement Works in Cle Elum

Although DUI checkpoints are banned, Cle Elum Police officers can—and do—stop drivers when they observe indicators of impairment. These include:

  • Weaving, drifting, or swerving
  • Speeding or erratic driving
  • Ignoring traffic signals or signs
  • Slow responses or unusual behavior

If an officer has reasonable suspicion, they can initiate a stop. After arrest, Washington’s Implied Consent Law may require a breath or blood test, and refusing can lead to license suspension.

🔗 RCW 46.61.502 – DUI Statute

DUI Cases in Cle Elum Municipal Court

If you’re arrested for DUI within the city limits of Cle Elum, your case will likely be handled by Cle Elum Municipal Court, located at 700 E 1st St, Cle Elum, WA 98922. This court hears misdemeanor DUI charges under RCW 46.61.502and RCW 46.61.504.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Arraignment: The formal reading of charges
  • Pre-trial conferences: Opportunities to negotiate or file motions
  • Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case goes to court
  • Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing may include jail, fines, treatment, and license suspension

🔗 Cle Elum Municipal Court Information

Your Rights at a DUI Stop in Cle Elum

Even without checkpoints, it’s essential to know your rights during a DUI stop:

  • You must show ID, registration, and insurance
  • You can politely decline to answer questions beyond identification
  • Field sobriety tests are voluntary
  • You may be required to take a breath or blood test after arrest

🔗 Know Your Rights During a DUI Investigation

Additional Resources

🚓 Washington DUI Laws and Procedures

📞 Arrested for DUI in Cle Elum?

If you’ve been charged with DUI in Cle Elum, you need immediate legal help. Call Blanford Law at (253) 720-9304 or email ken@blanfordlaw.com to get experienced representation in Kittitas County.