Police officers have to uphold the duty of keeping the roads as safe as possible. One way that they do this is by initiating traffic stops so they can get impaired drivers off the road. There are very specific criteria that must be met in order for them to initiate the stop. One of these is that they must have reasonable suspicion that the driver is impaired.
Reasonable suspicion is a fairly low standard. It doesn’t require proof that the driver is impaired. Instead, it only requires that the officer see something that a reasonable person would believe is a sign of intoxication.
What are some signs the officer may look for?
There are many signs of intoxication that a police officer may look for as they patrol. A few of these include:
- Driving erratically
- Stopping without a reason
- Swerving in and out of traffic lanes
- Failing to follow traffic signals and signs
Once a police officer sees any signs that may signal intoxication, they will initiate the traffic stop. The focus becomes determining what’s going on with the driver. The officer may start off with speaking to the driver and observing things in the vehicle. They will pay attention to things like slurred words or the smell of alcohol.
The officer may also decide to conduct tests to determine impairment. This typically includes field sobriety tests, only some of which are admissible in court. Only the standardized field sobriety test that’s endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A chemical test may also be conducted, but one done using a preliminary alcohol screening device isn’t admissible in court. Breath tests done on a stationary device, blood tests and urine tests are also admissible.
Anyone who’s facing a drunk driving charge should ensure they understand the options they have for addressing these charges. Working with someone who’s familiar with these cases may be beneficial for people in this position.