How Police Spot Drunk Drivers

Police patrolling the roadways spot drunk drivers by observing their driving patterns and watching for telltale signs of intoxication during traffic stops.

Signs of Intoxication While Driving

First, law enforcement officers look for signs of intoxication or impairment while a driver is operating a vehicle. These signs may include reckless driving, weaving in a lane or in and out of multiple lanes, nearly striking an object or vehicle, going left of center, driving into opposing or crossing traffic, driving too slowly, driving with inconsistent speed, slow response to traffic signals, failure to signal, turning abruptly or illegally, braking erratically, or stopping for no apparent reason. Practically any traffic violation could alert an officer to check the driver for signs of impairment. If the driver is involved in a late night or early morning traffic accident, officers are more likely to check closely for signs of impairment.

Signs of Intoxication During the Initial Traffic Stop

After they pull over a driver, officers are trained to use all of their senses, especially sight, smell, and hearing, in observing the driver and the vehicle. First, they look for bloodshot or glassy eyes, visible alcohol containers or drug paraphernalia in the car, soiled clothing, fumbling fingers, shaking hands, or any other unusual visual signs. Second, they smell the air to check for the odors of alcohol, marijuana, or cover-up odors (air freshener, mouthwash). Third, they listen for slurred speech, inconsistent responses, the driver’s admission to drinking or taking drugs, the driver’s facility in answering a question while getting out license and insurance information or doing another physical task, and any other unusual statements made.

Signs of Intoxication During Sobriety Testing

If the officer asks the driver to exit the vehicle, the officer watches for difficulty getting out, staggering, swaying, hanging on to the car for balance, and leaning against the vehicle. The officer usually then asks the driver to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs).

During the SFSTs, described in detail here, the officer looks for nystagmus, or involuntary eye jerking. When you have been drinking your eye will not be able to follow a moving object without nystagmus. The officer will watch your performance in a balance test, which tests both balance and “divided attention”, or doing two tasks at the same time. The officer will give you the one-leg stand test, again watching your balance and your divided attention abilities, along with other clues to intoxication. Finally, the officer may ask you questions while you are outside the car.

Have you been arrested for driving under the influence during a traffic stop in Oklahoma? Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor now using his trial experience and expert-level knowledge of DUI science to defend drivers, can advise you on the additional penalties you may face if convicted. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.