Oklahoma § 21-540B - Roadblocks

§ 21-540B. Roadblocks

A peace officer may set up one or more roadblocks to apprehend

any person riding upon or within a motor vehicle traveling upon a

highway, street, turnpike, or area accessible to motoring public,

when the officer has probable cause to believe such person is

committing or has committed:

1. A violation of Section 540A of this title;

2. Escape from the lawful custody of any peace officer;

3. A felony under the laws of this state or the laws of any

other jurisdiction.

A roadblock is defined as a barricade, sign, standing motor

vehicle, or similar obstacle temporarily placed upon or adjacent to

a public street, highway, turnpike or area accessible to the

motoring public, with one or more peace officers in attendance

thereof directing each operator of approaching motor vehicles to

stop or proceed.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 21. Crimes and Punishments

Any operator of a motor vehicle approaching such roadblock has a

duty to stop at the roadblock unless directed otherwise by a peace

officer in attendance thereof and the willful violation hereof shall

constitute a separate offense from any other offense committed. Any

person who willfully attempts to avoid such roadblock or in any

manner willfully fails to stop at such roadblock or who willfully

passes by or through such roadblock without receiving permission

from a peace officer in attendance thereto is guilty of a Class C2

felony offense and shall be punished by imprisonment as provided for

in subsections B through F of Section 20M of this title, or by a

fine not exceeding Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or by both

such fine and imprisonment.

Added by Laws 1980, c. 115, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1980. Amended by Laws

1997, c. 133, § 211, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c.

5, § 119, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2025, c. 486, § 222, eff. Jan. 1,

2026.

NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective

date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 211 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.