In order to pull over a motorist for suspected DUI in Florida, the police must have reasonable suspicion that the driver is committing, has committed, or is about to commit a crime in order to make the traffic stop.
One of the most obvious ways to get pulled over by law enforcement is committing a traffic violation, such as the following:
Speeding or driving too slowly for traffic conditions
Running traffic signals and stop signs
Failing to use turn signals
Tailgating
Driving the wrong way on a one-way street
Driving with expired license plate decals
Driving without headlights on
On the other hand, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided law enforcement departments throughout the country with more than 100 visual cues for spotting drunk drivers, such as:
Swerving, weaving, or otherwise failing to stay within a driving lane on the road
Making quick and jerky stops, driving at various speeds, and other speed and braking issues
Delayed responses to traffic signals, using the wrong turn signal when changing lanes or making turns, and other vigilance issues
Making unsafe lane changes, driving off the road, and other judgment difficulties
After being stopped by a police officer, the following are the common signs of driver intoxication:
The smell of alcohol or drugs on the driver or inside the vehicle
Slurred speech
Red or bloodshot eyes
Delayed responses
Poor motor skills
Such observations are enough to establish probable cause and make a legal DUI arrest.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for drunk or drugged driving in Miami, contact the Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A. today at (305) 400-0074 for a free initial consultation.