3 Commonly Asked Questions About Driving Under The Influence
1 – Who May Be Pulled Over For Drunk-Driving?
Any person who appears to be driving suspiciously can be pulled over. The typical impairment signs that cause people to get pulled over include:
Weaving
Making wide turns
Stopping too close/far traffic signals/signs
Unable to maintain consistent speed
Speeding
Signal violations
2 – When Is A Driver Tested For Alcohol
In the U.S., police may not stop a person without some type of reasonable suspicion that the driver has/is committing an offense. If an officer, after pulling over a vehicle, suspects a person is impaired, they can begin their investigation, which includes them carrying out a field sobriety test.
Police do have the option to use a handheld device to do a preliminary breath test. The results cannot be used in court but do help in the evaluation process. If deemed impaired, the driver is automatically arrested. After which, the driver will be asked to do a BAC, which can be used in court. Refusal of the BAC will result in automatic license suspension or revocation.
3 – What Are The Consequences For Refusing To Be Tested
Drivers do have the option to refuse with complying the officer’s orders to do a BAC. Refusal means automatic suspension or revocation of the license; which is stipulated under implied consent laws. According to these laws, test samples must be taken within 2 hours of the arrest. The reason is that the BAC drops as the alcohol metabolizes. A warrant can be issued to compel drivers to do the tests. Some jurisdictions have improved their communications technology to get immediate approval of warrants.
Comments