Some people think that police officers can initiate traffic stops without any valid cause, but that’s not the case. Police officers must see a driver breaking a traffic law or have reasonable suspicion that the driver is involved in a crime.
In the case of suspected drunk driving stops, police officers must observe something that leads them to believe that the driver is impaired. This must be something that any reasonable person would agree indicates intoxication.
What are some examples that may indicate impaired driving?
Some of the more common behaviors that are noticeable when a person is driving while they’re drunk include:
- Failing to turn on the headlights or windshield wipers when necessary
- Failing to stop at stop signs or traffic signals
- Failing to maintain proper lane position
- Failing to drive at a suitable speed for the conditions
Once a police officer observes these signs, they may stop the vehicle to try to determine what’s going on with the driver. This often begins with a discussion. It can also lead to a request for the driver to take a field sobriety test or a chemical test to determine if the driver is impaired. If there’s probable cause pointing to intoxication, the driver will be arrested on drunk driving charges.
Anyone who’s arrested on drunk driving charges should ensure they understand their defense options. Working with someone who’s familiar with these cases may be beneficial since that individual can explain the possible strategies and help them to move forward on the chosen path.
