This is a step-by-step guide for what to do if you ever find yourself pulled over in a DUI. Prevention is always the best course of action, and one should never drink and drive. However, if you happen to find yourself in this compromising position here are is a step-by-step guide on what to expect and how to respond.
Step 1 - When you discover that a police officer is trying to get your attention, find a safe place to pull off on the side of the road. Under no circumstances should you attempt to evade the police, you may end up hurting yourself and others, along with other significant consequences.
Step 2 - Turn off your vehicle, disabling it as a threat to the officer, and then wait for the officer to make his or her move before doing anything else. Any sudden movements on your part may only heighten the situation.
Step 3 - Obey the orders the police office gives to you to reveal your driver's license and registration and anything else he or she may want to see.
Step 4 - Stay in the vehicle unless the officer asks you to get out. If the officer asks you to get out of the vehicle, do so immediately and calmly. Be sure to remain calm, the officer is there for the safety of the public as well as yours.
Step 5 - Truthfully answer any questions the officer asks. It is advisable to only speak when spoken too, there is no need for additional conversation. If the law enforcement official needs any information, he/she will ask.
Step 6 - If the officer asks you to perform any field sobriety tests, comply with his request. Perform each test that the officer requires systematically, as the officer is compiling this information to determine whether or not you are able to drive.
Additionally, if you are over the limit, the officer will know. Do not make any other attempts to lie to or conceal information from the officer. You are dealing with a trained professional and they know what information they need to make their determination.
Step 7 - If the officer asks you to take a breathalyzer test, you can choose to take it at your location or request a blood test at the station (please check with your state laws). Refusal to comply with this order will be a mandatory arrest and DUI.
If the officer determines that you are over the limit, stay calm and do what you are told. Getting arrested for a DUI is a humbling experience, but you can learn from this, change your actions, and speak out against drunk driving.
