It is imperative that anyone who plans to enjoy adult beverages take the time to plan how they will get home.
For some people, the decision to consume alcohol is impromptu, but this won’t excuse you from having to follow the law. Throughout the holiday weekend, police officers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers. Understanding what they’re looking for may be beneficial.
Reasonable suspicion for a traffic stop
An officer must see signs that something is wrong if they’re going to stop a vehicle. This might be a violation of the motor vehicle codes, such as a burned-out license plate light, but other things can also give the officer reasonable suspicion that a driver is impaired.
Some common signs of drunk driving include:
- Swerving, including into other lanes
- Driving against traffic
- Stopping when unnecessary
- Disobeying traffic signals or signs
- Speeding or driving unusually slow
Once an officer stops a vehicle, they’ll try to determine what’s going on. This can include asking for a field sobriety test or a chemical test. Both of those are used to determine if the driver is impaired. If there’s probable cause to arrest a person for drunk driving, the officer will do so.
Anyone who’s facing drunk driving charges should ensure they learn their rights. Getting your defense started quickly is imperative, and violations of your rights can play a role in your chosen strategy. Working with someone familiar with Texas laws is beneficial because they can help you to determine how various points may impact you.