When Life Gives You Lemons — Call an Attorney

When it comes to DUI stops, probable cause is the initial reason that the police use to stop you for the DUI test. Below are some of the probable causes that the police can use.

Auto Accidents

Drunk driving is a serious factor in auto accidents. In fact, intoxication caused nearly a third of all traffic-related accidents in the United States in 2016. Police officers know these statistics and routinely lookout for indications of intoxication when interviewing victims of an auto accident. This is even more likely if you come out of the car without injuries or with only minor injuries.

Erratic Driving

Erratic driving is also a common probable cause for drunk driving. Intoxication impairs judgment, slows down reflexes, and can even impair vision. All these issues can lead to erratic driving. For example, you might find yourself changing lanes abruptly stopping without warning. The police are also on the lookout for such drivers and may suspect you of driving under the influence if they notice such signs.

Vehicle Defects

Driving a defective car is also an easy way of getting noticed by the police and getting pulled over. The more obvious the defect is the more likely you are to be pulled over. For one, driving a defective car is against the law, increases the risk of an accident, and might also mean that you are not thinking correctly. Wobbling wheels, missing lights, and broken mirrors are fitting examples of such defects.

Speeding

Driving over the stipulated speed limit can also get you stopped by the police. Driving over the speed limit is not only illegal, but it also increases your risk of an auto accident. Exceeding the speed limit means you have a shorter distance and time to react and stop or avoid risks on the road. However, you might not mind all that or you might not even be aware of your actual speed if you are intoxicated.

Wrong Lane or Way

Lastly, you should expect the police to stop you and suspect you of drunk driving if you are in the wrong lane or driving the wrong way. Intoxicated drivers make such mistakes all the time because their thinking is impaired. Some of them cannot even see road signs and markings clearly so they might not even know that they are driving the wrong way or on the wrong lane.

As you can see, there are numerous examples of probable causes that the police can use to stop you and test you for DUI. Even though a lack of probable cause may be a DUI defense, you should be careful before revoking a lack of probable cause as a DUI defense since it only works in a few cases. Consult a dui lawyer to analyze your case and advise you on the best defense.