Please be assured that in spite of IF&W calling these stops checkpoints, they are roadblocks. Please be assured that if you come upon a checkpoint as outlined below, you must stop or turn around. Please be assured that you are not required to consent to any search of your vehicle or anything contained therein or thereon. The law only requires you to exhibit your license if you are asked and you must comply with that request only if you are transporting a moose, deer, or bear or if you are actually engaged in a licensed activity.

1.   Advisory signs indicating a checkpoint must be placed in a manner so as
      to be   clearly visible to the approaching traffic in both directions.
2    Advisory signs must have a department logo and letters 2” high on
      unimproved  roads  and 3” high on improved roads, stating Fish and Wildlife
      Checkpoint – All Vehicles Stop.
3.   A marked warden vehicle must be present displaying an emergency blue light.
4.   All vehicles must be stopped unless a safety hazard is obvious or vehicles
      become unnecessarily delayed.
5.   A uniformed warden must initiate all checkpoint stops.
6.   The warden will state something like, “Good afternoon, I’m warden so and so.
      This is a routine fish and wildlife checkpoint to gather statistics and check
      for compliance with fish
      and wildlife regulations,” followed by further questioning.
7.   If the warden observes fish or wildlife or if you state that you are
      transporting fish or wildlife, the warden may request to inspect (search) the
      fish and wildlife. He may also
      request that you exhibit your license. He may also ask you to pull over
      for inspection.
8.   Nighttime checkpoints will not be conducted on unimproved roads.
9.   Nighttime checkpoints on improved roads will be well lighted.
10. A supervisory officer will be present to insure checkpoint policy is
      being followed.
11. If a warden determines that one of the occupants of the vehicle is involved
      in or has evidence of a violation of law, the warden shall act according to
      his authority.
12. If you are detained for a suspicion of a violation of law, a warden will
     direct you to a search area and exercise his authority.
13. Unless you are detained for suspicion of a violation of law, all stops must
      be of short duration.
14. You are not required by law to submit to suspicionless requests to inspect
      your vehicle,  fish and wildlife or firearms.
15. You are not required by law to answer any questions.
16. It is not rude or impolite to politely exercise your 4th Amendment rights.
17. There is a legal difference in being asked or ordered to do something.

This information is provided solely for the purpose of informing sportsmen of their 4th Amendment rights, should they wish to exercise them. If you have further questions, please call William R. Randall, Winthrop, Maine (207) 395-4622