In New Jersey, drivers may find themselves pulled over for driving under the influence (DUI). Driving while intoxicated presents a potential safety risk to the driver, other travelers on the road, pedestrians, and others. Some may wonder how the police know someone may be under the influence. Specific behaviors on the road may raise law enforcement’s suspicions about a possible DUI.
One reason why an intoxicated driver may cause a crash would be the inability to drive safely. Alcohol could impair motor skills, judgment, and cognition. Therefore, someone weaving in and out of lanes, not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or speeding might raise concerns about a possible DUI. Such moving violations alone could lead to the police pulling the vehicle over to issue a citation.
An officer might take things further and perform a sobriety test. If the driver or car smells of alcohol, a police officer would have cause to ask the driver to take a sobriety test. Three physical field sobriety tests could lead to the officer determining the driver is under the influence. A one-legged stand test would examine the driver’s balance. Poor balance might indicate intoxication. The other two tests, the horizontal gaze nystagmus and the heel-to-toe walk, are also utilized to determine possible intoxication.
A breathalyzer test provides information about alcohol consumption. The officer may ask the driver to perform the test as well.
In New Jersey, a DUI charge stands as a traffic violation but one that might bring forth harsh penalties. DUI stops might lead to other criminal charges, depending on the circumstances of the events. Anyone in legal trouble may wish to speak to an attorney.