Troopers Plan February Checkpoints in Bloomingdale-Riverview

Forgot to renew your driver's license? Hoping to get by driving on those questionable brakes a few more weeks?

Now is the time to tackle these jobs, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers will be on the lookout throughout the month of February for vehicles that have safety equipment problems and drivers who get behind the wheel without valid licenses.

According to FHP spokesman Sgt. Steve Gaskins, troopers will set up checkpoints countywide throughout the month.

“The patrol has found these checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing the equipment and driver license laws of Florida while ensuring the protection of all motorists,” Gaskins wrote in an email. He says troopers look for such defects as worn-out tires, bad brakes and lighting equipment that doesn’t work.

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While there is no exact time table for the checkpoints, Gaskins says FHP’s list does include “possible locations (where) checkpoints may be conducted. Hours may vary."

“These checkpoints are random, daytime operations that typically delay motorists for a few minutes only,” Gaskins said. “Local supervisors select the time, location and duration of the checkpoints on the roadways listed below based upon staffing, weather and traffic conditions.”

Here are some of the roads that will be targeted during the checkpoints:

• U.S. 41
• U.S. 301
• Lithia-Pinecrest Road
• Symmes Road
• Balm Road
• Rhodine Road
• Balm-Riverview Road