How to handle a checkpoint: The right and wrong moves

Have you ever had a first-hand experience of a police checkpoint? If not, you must have seen one posted on a busy road during the nighttime. If you are a seasoned driver, a police checkpoint encounter is a given, however, it might be an intimidating experience for the newbies who have recently learned to drive.

Did you know? It was only last year in July that the PNP chief ordered the inclusion of cars and other four-wheeled vehicles in checkpoint mapping.

The goal of this article is to guide you through the Police Checkpoint so that the next time you come across one, there’s no hesitation or anxiety. Here, you’ll find answers to the following questions -

• How to respond to uniformed personnel?
• How to protect your rights when you haven’t committed any violation
• What is the proper checkpoint etiquette?
• What are the proper guidelines, requirements, and procedures for a checkpoint inspection?

But first things first, let us understand what a police checkpoint is and why it is required.

Police Checkpoint - Basic understanding

What is a police checkpoint? It refers to a place where police inspect and check the traffic (both vehicles and pedestrians) to enforce law, order, and regulations. Also, here, the uniformed personnel carry out circulation control measures.

 

Did you know that the establishment of a police checkpoint must be authorised by the head of the territorial PNP unit in the area? It is not at the discretion of the police personnel, and the entire setup is pre-planned.

What about the checkpoints on the highway? Well, they are taken care of by the PNP Highway Patrol Group (PNP HPG), the body in charge of traffic safety promotion on highways. The highway checkpoints are put up against acts like carjacking, hijacking, and other highway crimes involving vehicles. Also, the PNP HPG works in coordination with local police units, the Philippine Ports Authority, and the territorial jurisdiction.

Police Checkpoint - Importance & Need

A police checkpoint is a crucial tool whose importance can not be stressed enough. These spot checks help keep the road safe from crime, thus maintaining peace and order. This brief routine inspection, where officers ask questions and ensure compliance with the law, bears several benefits, including -

• It allows police personnel to maintain order without putting a strain on constitutional rights.
• During election time, they help prevent election-related violence and help ensure fair conduct.
• In the areas with high crime rates or during security alerts (terrorism alert), they help deter criminal activities and maintain public safety.

Police Checkpoint composition - What to expect

In the Philippines, a police checkpoint team consists of around ten personnel, which includes a leader, one spotter/profiler, verifiers, arresting/searching personnel, and several security guards. The table below gives complete information on police checkpoint composition.

Team leader	A  Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) is responsible for the checkpoint. However, in the absence of a PCO, the most senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) acts as a team leader.
One spotter or profiler	The team also consists of a spotter who is responsible for profiling or pointing out suspected pedestrians or vehicles passing by.
Two verifiers	The police checkpoint also consists of two verifiers who are responsible for the following  acts - Document verification Document search Seizure, arrest, and initial custody of seized evidence, if necessary
Search or arrest personnel	As the name suggests, this individual is responsible for arresting offenders along with searching & seizing illegal items.
Four security personnel	A checkpoint in the Philippines gets several security personnel - two front and two rear. They are responsible for security and, if necessary, for blocking/pursuing fleeing vehicles.

Police Checkpoint - Classification

In the Philippines, you’ll come across two possible kinds of checkpoints on the road. This includes a regular and a hastily set-up checkpoint. Let us understand the two in detail.

Regular checkpoints - This checkpoint is easily recognisable with well-lit signage all over, along with properly placed barriers to facilitate traffic flow. Overall, it is like a toll booth on a highway.

Hastily set up checkpoints - Such checkpoints are used to block the escape attempt of lawless elements from the crime scene. They are usually established either when the nearby regular checkpoints are ignored or in the case of hot pursuit operations. Such checkpoints are put up by police personnel conducting mobile patrols with a marked police vehicle or by those conducting ISO and foot patrol operations within the vicinity of the national or provincial highways. As mentioned above, such checkpoints have a full trail of police personnel on board, and you’ll also find a collapsible signage reading “Stop, Police Checkpoint’ with the name of the concerned police personnel/unit conducting the operation.

Police Checkpoint - Dos and Don’ts

When stopped by police personnel at a checkpoint, remember to follow the dos and don’ts.

Dos Make sure to remain calm and collected; remember the police are just there for your safety and others on the road. They’ll just inspect your vehicle and will cause no harm. While approaching the checkpoint, make it a point to slow down the vehicle’s speed, dim the headlights, and turn on the cabin light. You can lock all the doors, as police personnel are only allowed to do visual inspections. Keep your driver’s license and registration papers ready, as police might ask for them, especially in cases where they are looking for a stolen vehicle. If the police personnel want to take a picture of your driver’s license for records, however, it is your choice to say no. It is advisable to keep your phone ready at all times for recording anything suspicious at the checkpoint or to call the emergency numbers. Always be courteous while answering the routine questions by the police personnel.

Don’ts Make sure not to step out of the vehicle, as the checkpoint is just for visual inspection. Don’t show signs of aggression towards the police personnel. Never submit to police personnel’s request for a physical or bodily search. There is no need to open your vehicle’s glove compartment, any of your bags, or trunk.

Police Checkpoint - What if flagged down?

If, while driving, you end up getting flagged down, here’s what needs to be done -

• First things first, get the officer’s name and badge number, if possible. Note that this information will come in handy if you need to file a report.
• If possible, try and note the police personnel's plate number.
• Don’t argue with the police officer if you think the slap-on-the-wrist violation or ticket is unfair or wrong. Instead, collect all the required information and file a dispute.
• If the violation is dismissed, the officer at the checkpoint would be held accountable, and all the charges against you will be nullified.

Police Checkpoint - Basic guidelines for officials

In the Philippines, there are strict checkpoint rules and basic guidelines that need to be followed by the officials. Note that these guidelines are based on the PNP National Police Manual and ensure that no abuses and inconveniences to the drivers and commuters are done on the hands of the officials.

• As mentioned above, a PNP authorises the establishment of mobile checkpoints.
• It is the team leader who designates personnel at checkpoints.
• The checkpoint team will preferably have a female member for cases involving female suspect/s.
• Police personnel at the checkpoint must be presentable and wear prescribed uniforms.
• The name tag of the police personnel must be visible at all times.
• The checkpoint must tick the following requirements: a marked police vehicle, ballistic vest, megaphone, flashlights, Alternative Recording Devices (ARD) or Body-Worn Cameras (BWC), and signage - warning and information signs, and firearms with a basic load of ammunition.
• The signage must be well-lit, making sure the name and contact details of the PNP and team leader are visible.
• Mobile checkpoints have just one requirement: marked vehicles with blinkers on.
• Front and rear security team members must carry rifles, and they should be visible and in a position to provide security.
• Elected public officials or National Prosecutor Service representatives, or the media, should be contacted by the police officers at the checkpoint in case the checkpoint team has seized illegal drugs.
• A report needs to be submitted by the team leader after the operation is completed.

Motorcycle checkpoint guidelines

• The placement of the motorcycle checkpoint should not be at the blind curves.
• The checkpoint needs to be well-lit and have proper & visible signage.
• The checkpoint must have uniformed officials who signal riders to slow down and move to the side of the road.
• The police personnel should be polite with the riders, asking them to first turn off the engine, followed by helmet removal, and show OR/CR.
• You’ll only be asked for a visual inspection.
  In case of a violation, you’ll be issued a ticket.

Also Read: First-time rider? Here's everything you need to know about motorcycle insurance

Police checkpoint - What are your rights

It is always a good idea to know what to expect at a police checkpoint, as it helps you to stay calm and composed. Likewise, you must know your rights, as this information will come in handy in case of illegal conduct or abuse at the hands of police personnel.

To be treated with respect and courtesy	You will be asked to slow down, turn off the vehicle’s headlight, and turn on the hazard & cabin lights.  You would be greeted, apologised for the inconvenience, explained the purpose of the checkpoint, and thanked for cooperation. Each motorist will be treated fairly with absolutely no discrimination.
To not step out of your car	Officials can only do a visual inspection of your car; police officials can’t force you to step out of the vehicle. If the car’s windows are tinted, you’ll be asked to lower them and turn on the lights so that the officials can see what’s inside. Only under a few circumstances can police do a more thorough inspection (even without a search warrant).
To refuse to respond to questions	You have the right to refuse to answer questions asked by police personnel; no one can force you to answer.
To not give money when extorted or harassed	Police officers have no business intimidating, harassing, or extorting drivers or motorists at checkpoints. Be aware of illegal checkpoints; they are usually set up to extort money.
To report PNP checkpoint violations	Never hesitate to report an incident where your rights were violated at a checkpoint. Do so by calling or texting  8888 or visiting www.8888.gov.ph to file a complaint. Here, you’ll need to provide details of the incident, identify the police officer, and give your contact details.

 

Bottom line

Police checkpoints are essential tools in maintaining peace and order in the country. Irrespective of the fact that you drive a car or ride a motorcycle, you can be stopped and inspected. It is, therefore, important to know your rights, the dos & don’ts, and basic checkpoint etiquette.

Also Read: Number Coding hours in Metro Manila 2025: All you need to know