DUI Driving Cues
According to the NHTSA there are 24 driving cues that may predict that a driver's BAC is .08 percent or greater. Those cues were divided into four categories:
Problems in Maintaining Proper Lane Position:
- Weaving
- Weaving Across Lane Lines
- Straddling a Lane Line
- Drifting
- Swerving
- Almost Striking a Vehicle or Other Object
- Turning With a Wide Radius, or Drifting During a Curve
Speed and Braking Problems:
- Stopping Problems (Too Far, Too Short, Too Jerky)
- Accelerating for no Reason
- Varying Speed
- Slow Speed.
Vigilance Problems:
- Driving Without Headlights at Night
- Failure to Signal a Turn or Lane Change, or Signaling Inconsistently With Actions
- Driving in Opposing Lanes or the Wrong Way on a One-Way Street
- Slow Response to Traffic Signals
- Slow or Failure to Repsond to Officer's Signals
- Stopping in the Lane for No Apparent Reason.
Judgment Problems:
- Following Too Closely
- Improper or Unsafe Lane Change
- Illegal or Improper Turn (too fast, jerky, sharp, etc.)
- Driving on Other than the Designated Roadway
- Stopping Inappropriately in Response to an Officer
- Inappropriate or Unusual Behavior
- Appearing to Be Impaired.
After the Stop
After the officer has stopped the suspected drunk driver, the following cues help him to determine if a DUI arrest should be made.
- Difficulty with Motor Vehicle Controls
- Difficulty Exiting the Vehicle
- Fumbling with Driver's License or Registration
- Repeating Questions or Comments
- Swaying, Unsteady, or Balance Problems
- Leaning on the Vehicle or Other Object
- Slurred Speech
- Slow to Respond to Officer/Officer Must Repeat Questions
- Provides Incorrect Information or Changes Answers
- Odor of Alcoholic Beverage from the Driver
California DUI and Criminal Law Resources
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