What Do Police Officers Look For While Searching For Drunk Drivers On The Highway?

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What Do Police Officers Look For While Searching For Drunk Drivers On The Highway?

According to research by the National Highway Traffic Administration, police officers look for drunk drivers based on the following:

making a wide radius turn;
straddling the center lane marker;
"appearing" to be drunk;
almost striking an object or vehicle;
weaving;
a designated highway where many drivers are suspected to be drunk;
swerving;
speed at more than 10 miles per hour below the speed limit;
stopping without cause in a traffic lane;
following too closely;
drifting;
tires on center lane marker;
braking erratically;
driving into opposing lanes or across traffic;
signaling inconsistent driving action;
slow response to traffic signals;
stopping inappropriately;
turning abruptly or illegally;
accelerating or decelerating rapidly;
headlights off.

These elements are very important because, according to the Unites States Constitution, a person cannot be stopped or searched without a reason. The police must have a reason to stop the person and if they are to investigate for DUI must show that they had a reason to believe the person may be intoxicated.

Other Virginia Drunk Driving Defense FAQs

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