In order to be arrested for impaired driving an officer simply needs to have probable cause, even if your BAC is below .08. “Probable cause” basically means that the officer has a reasonable suspicion that you are under the influence or impaired.
There a several ways that a police officer can develop probable cause. One of them is to observe the way you are driving. These are some driving behaviors that a police officer might find suspicious:
- Hesitating to pass through a green light
- Driving in multiple lanes at once
- Weaving from lane to lane
- Driving excessively fast or slow
Once the officer has pulled the driver over, they will make observations of the driver’s behavior and physicality. These are examples of behaviors and physical traits that a police officer might look for to create probable cause:
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Dilated pupils
- The odor of alcohol
- Slurred speech
- Erratic behavior
If the police officer thinks you are driving while intoxicated or impaired, they may ask you to step out of the vehicle and perform a field sobriety tests. These tests are designed to test your mental and motor skills and determine if you are impaired. Some examples of common field sobriety tests in California are:
- Following a moving object with your eyes while keeping your head still
- Walking a straight line, turning, and repeating
- Balancing on one foot with your arms to your sides
If you have been arrested for a DUI contact San Diego DUI Lawyer at DUI Crew today 619 500 9939
