Accomplished Law Firm In Clinton, Sedalia, And Warsaw, Missouri

Potential signs of impaired driving

On Behalf of | Jan 31, 2025 | DWI |

One key component of a DWI arrest is that the police must have a valid reason to stop your vehicle. It is unlawful for officers to pull over random cars without any indication that the driver is impaired, simply hoping to catch someone who has been drinking (with the exception of sobriety checkpoints). They must first observe evidence of impairment, then make the stop and only then administer a breath test or other sobriety assessments.

So what types of signs can officers use to stop someone on suspicion of impaired driving? Below are a few examples.

Trouble staying in their lane

An impaired driver may weave within their lane or drift from one side to the other. They may zigzag across the road or fail to use turn lanes properly. In some cases, a driver may even straddle the center line.

Unexpected maneuvers

Officers also watch for drivers who operate their vehicles in an unusual or erratic manner, such as quickly accelerating or suddenly braking aggressively. They may also notice if a driver fails to respond to traffic signals, such as remaining stopped at a green light.

Nearly avoiding a collision

Furthermore, impaired drivers may almost cause accidents. They could also make relatively minor mistakes, such as hitting a curb or bumping another vehicle in a parking lot. These minor errors can signal to officers that the driver may be impaired and at risk of making a major mistake that could lead to a serious crash.

If you are facing a DWI charge, you may argue that the officer had no valid reason to pull you over in the first place. It is essential to understand all of your legal defense options.

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