Driving Signs

Signs of Drunk Driving in OC

NHTSA has come up with signs that police officers use to help them determine if a driver is driving under the influence of alcohol. Police often look for more than one of these before pulling over the suspected drunk driver.

Difficulties in Maintaining Proper Lane Position:

  1. Weaving
  2. Weaving Across Lane Lines
  3. Straddling a Lane Line
  4. Drifting
  5. Swerving
  6. Almost Striking a Vehicle or Other Object
  7. Turning With a Wide Radius, or Drifting During a Curve

Orange County DUI AttorneysSpeed and Braking Problems:

  1. Stopping Problems (Too Far, Too Short, Too Jerky)
  2. Accelerating for no Reason
  3. Varying Speed
  4. Slow Speed

Problems Being Alert:

  1. Driving Without Headlights at Night
  2. Failure to Signal a Turn or Lane Change, or Signaling Inconsistently With Actions
  3. Driving in Opposing Lanes or the Wrong Way on a One-Way Street
  4. Slow Response to Traffic Signals
  5. Slow or Failure to Respond to Officer’s Signals
  6. Stopping in the Lane for No Apparent Reason

Problems with Judgment:

  1. Following Too Closely
  2. Improper or Unsafe Lane Change
  3. Illegal or Improper Turn (too fast, jerky, sharp, etc.)
  4. Driving on Other than the Designated Roadway
  5. Stopping Inappropriately in Response to an Officer
  6. Inappropriate or Unusual Behavior
  7. Appearing to Be Impaired.

Signs after the Stop
The following signs help an officer determine if the BAC of the driver is .08 or above and if a DUI arrest should be made.

  1. Difficulty with Motor Vehicle Controls
  2. Difficulty Exiting the Vehicle
  3. Fumbling with Driver’s License or Registration
  4. Repeating Questions or Comments
  5. Swaying, Unsteady, or Balance Problems
  6. Leaning on the Vehicle or Other Object
  7. Slurred Speech
  8. Slow to Respond to Officer/Officer Must Repeat Questions
  9. Provides Incorrect Information or Changes Answers
  10. Odor of Alcoholic Beverage from the Driver