Police officers need a valid reason for conducting a traffic stop. This can come from several different things, including broken traffic laws. In some cases, the officer conducts the traffic stop because they have reasonable suspicion that the driver is impaired.
Reasonable suspicion for a drunk driving stop means that the officer sees something that leads them to believe the driver is intoxicated. What they see must lead any reasonable person to conclude that the driver is impaired.
What are some signs that alert officers to a drunk driver?
There are many signs of drunk drivers that officers may look for. These include things like:
- Crossing the center line or swerving between lanes
- Stopping when there isn’t a valid reason to do so
- Failing to use the windshield wipers or headlights when required
- Driving through traffic stops or signals
- Speeding or driving too slowly for the current conditions
Once an officer sees those signs, they can stop the vehicle to find out what’s going on. They will likely talk to the driver, which allows them to listen for slurred words or smell alcohol. If the driver seems impaired, the officer may opt to ask for a chemical test or a field sobriety test.
If the officer has probable cause, they may arrest the driver. At that point, the driver needs to consider how to handle their defense strategy. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial for the defendant so they can explore their options and set the strategy in a way they feel is best for their needs.