by Elizabeth Ruiz

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, or MADD, is behind the latest push for a state law allowing DWI checkpoints in Texas.

Executive Director Jennifer Northway says the DWI checkpoints are a deterrent to drunk drivers. 

"We want folks not to get behind the wheel after you've been drinking because it's too much of a risk.  You could hurt somebody or hurt yourself," Northway told 550 KTSA News.

While DWI checkpoints are not allowed in Texas,  Corpus Christi police have been conducting what they call driver license checkpoints.  

Officer Julie Garcia says they check for driver licenses and proof of insurance, but critics say it's a roundabout way of looking for drunk drivers.

"We have a zero tolerance initiative, so if a driver does not have car insurance, that vehicle will be impounded and it could be auctioned off," said Garcia.

She told 550 KTSA News that they have a car auction once a month with 80 to 100 vehicles and about 20 of those usually are cars that have been seized because the owner was driving with no insurance.

During the driver license checkpoint, if an officer suspects the driver is intoxicated, that individual will be given a sobriety test.

"If that person appears drunk, we would not be doing our job if we let him go, but our primary purpose is to make sure that these individuals  have driver licenses and are insured drivers," said Garcia.