Just returned from a great trip to St. Maarten. Almost 50 trips in the past 30 years and we've seen a lot of changes. One of the more concerning is the DUI check points that pop up all over the French side of the island at all times of the day. When we ask why? The locals tell us to get extra money from the tourist. They say you "pay your fine on the spot"! We are told the BAL is set a .04 ! That's half of California's .08 level and it only takes a beer or two and you're in trouble before you know it. That one glass of wine could become very expensive too! We continue to avoid the French side and only made 2 trips on this vacation as we don't want any trouble while in paradise. Just thought I'd pass along this info. in case anyone intends on drinking on the French side while on the island. Be really careful as your vacation could go south quickly !!!