What May Cause an Officer to Stop You For DUI?

Contesting DUI charges is something you probably never want to deal with. Knowing not to get behind the wheel after you have had a few drinks may help you avoid unnecessary arrest and criminal charges. Still, it may help to know why an officer might believe that you are driving under the influence and pull you over.

FindLaw explains that a police officer must have reasonable suspicion that you are driving under the influence in order to stop you on the road. A variety of observations might cause an officer to have this suspicion.

Reckless Driving

If you disregard traffic rules while driving, an officer might suspect that you have impaired judgment. You might make illegal turns even with clearly marked traffic signs in view. You might drift in and out of lanes without signaling or apparent regard for other vehicles. An officer might also take note if you nearly strike another vehicle or an object off the side of the road, or if you are speeding.

Slow and Unusual Driving

The police could also think something is wrong if you drive in a way that is strange and unexplainable. Drinking too much alcohol might cause you to react slowly and cautiously. You may drive much slower than the normal flow of traffic. You might brake more than you need to, or you may stop in the middle of a street when you have no reason to do so.

Other Signs that May Draw Attention

An officer may investigate you for DUI even if you are not driving at all. If you are asleep in your parked vehicle, the police may think you are sleeping off alcohol. Sometimes officers become suspicious after arriving at the scene of a car accident and require the drivers involved to take sobriety tests. If you have a brake light that fails to work, an officer might pull you over and then give you a sobriety test.

Properly maintaining your vehicle and obeying the laws of the road might reduce the chances of the police pulling you over. It can be worth it to avoid the ordeal of a DUI case.