People get stopped for DUI all the time in Georgia; law enforcement likes to make DUI arrests. Police officers are trained to look for various signs of impaired driving when making a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) stop. See O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391.
These signs can be observed through a combination of a driver's behavior, vehicle movements, and physical appearance.
As local Georgia DUI attorneys, we wanted to discuss some things that can trigger police to make a drunk driving arrest.
While the specific criteria may vary, common indicators include:
- Erratic driving behavior:
- Swerving or weaving within the lane
- Straddling the center line
- Making wide turns
- Driving too slowly or too quickly
- Traffic violations:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failure to use turn signals
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Inability to maintain proper lane position:
- Drifting between lanes
- Almost striking objects or other vehicles
- Poor coordination and motor skills:
- Slow response to traffic signals
- Difficulty with tasks like stopping, starting, or turning
- Observable signs of impairment:
- Slurred speech
- Bloodshot or glassy eyes
- Odor of alcohol or drugs
- Driver's behavior during the stop:
- Difficulty retrieving license or registration
- Fumbling with items
- Confusion or inability to follow instructions
- Performance on field sobriety tests:
- Inability to maintain balance during a walk-and-turn test
- Difficulty standing on one leg
- Failure to follow a pen or light with their eyes smoothly (horizontal gaze nystagmus test)
- Preliminary breath test results:
- In some cases, officers may use a handheld breathalyzer to obtain a preliminary indication of blood alcohol content (BAC)
It's important to note that officers use these indicators as a basis for suspicion, and they must follow proper Georgia legal procedures, delineated under the law, when conducting a DUI stop.
If a driver is suspected of driving under the influence, they may be asked to take a chemical test, such as a breathalyzer or blood test, to determine their BAC more accurately.
Sounding Drunk
Many times police will claim someone “sounded impaired.”
Here are things police look for when determining if someone “sounds” drunk:
- Slurred Speech:
- Difficulty articulating words clearly
- Pronunciation may be unclear or distorted
- Altered Vocal Tone:
- Changes in pitch or rhythm of speech
- Speech may be louder or softer than usual
- Inconsistent Speech Patterns:
- Difficulty maintaining a steady pace of speech
- Frequent pauses or hesitations
- Impaired Coordination:
- Difficulty coordinating speech with physical movements
- Lack of precision in pronunciation
- Mumbling or Incoherent Responses:
- Responses may lack clarity or coherence
- Inability to express thoughts clearly
- Repetition:
- Repeating words or phrases unnecessarily
- Difficulty staying on topic during conversation
- Unusual or Excessive Laughter:
- Inappropriate or disproportionate laughter
- Changes in emotional expression
- Word Finding Difficulty:
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Using incorrect words or substituting words
- Slow Response Time:
- Delayed reaction to questions or prompts
- Inability to respond promptly to verbal cues
- Inconsistent Volume:
- Speaking too loudly or too softly
- Lack of awareness of appropriate speech volume
These indicators, when observed together, may raise suspicions of impairment, and law enforcement may use them as part of their assessment during a DUI stop. Keep in mind that individual variations, medical conditions, and other factors can also contribute to changes in speech patterns.
Local DUI Lawyers
If you are pulled over while driving, it's important to know your rights.
When the question is asked: "Where can I find a DUI lawyer near me? -- call us immediately! We are the proven DUI attorneys on your side!