Yes, you can avoid a DUI checkpoint or a sobriety checkpoint. You are not required to drive through the checkpoint simply because it exists.
In fact, in California, law enforcement is required to announce in advance where they are going to set up a sobriety checkpoint. Drivers who read these announcements and who feel uncomfortable with going through a checkpoint, even if they are completely sober, will simply avoid driving in that area. They are given forewarning, and so the checkpoint should not come as a surprise.
You must make legal maneuvers
But even if you discover a checkpoint that you did not know existed, you can still avoid it. It is not illegal to do so. The police cannot pull you over for avoiding the checkpoint or taking a different route.
The big thing to remember is that all of your driving maneuvers need to be legal. You cannot break the law, and you should not do anything that gives the police a reason to pull over your car.
For example, if you approach the checkpoint, signal appropriately, make a right-hand turn and proceed on a side street, you have done nothing wrong. Conversely, if you stop in the middle of the road, consider your options and then perform an illegal U-turn to head the other direction, the police will likely pull you over.
Defense options after impaired driving charges
Whether you have been pulled over or gone through a sobriety checkpoint, you could find yourself facing impaired driving charges. Make sure that you know about all of the legal defense options at your disposal.