DUI: What to Do when The Police Pull You Over

Let’s say that the police pull you over on suspicion of alcohol-impaired driving. Having the police come up to your window on any occasion is enough to fluster even the calmest of individuals, but if you do have alcohol in your system you may find yourself extra stressed.

Sometimes it can feel like you are the only one in this type of situation, which can be scary. Know that you are not alone, as law enforcement arrest over 3,000 individuals for driving under the influence each day. What do you do when the police pull you over on suspicion of a DUI?

Do Not Try To lose them

You may want to try and outrun the police, but this does not often work out in the favor of the intoxicated individual and can lead to severe charges. The best course of action is to pull over, making sure to look over your shoulder and use your turn signal. It is unwise to give the police any extra ammunition to use against you.

Be Polite and Do What They Ask

It will not help your case to be rude, evade their questions or reject to do what they ask, especially if they ask you to take a breath test. Rude mannerisms may not be illegal, but again, it will not win you any points with the police. You have the right to not answer questions they ask, but this could make you look like a more suspicious individual. Finally, all states have an implied consent law, meaning that by driving you have consented to chemical testing if the police request it. By refusing you can face penalties such as fines, license suspension or jail time.

Remember Your Rights

As stated above, you must submit to chemical test, such as breath, blood and urine tests. You are not required to answer questions they ask, such as where you have been or where you are headed. You do not need to take the field sobriety tests, including horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn and one-leg stand.

DUI stops are stressful but knowing how to behave if you are in that situation often proves beneficial.