Getting pulled over by a police officer on suspicion of drunk driving in Georgia or elsewhere in the nation can be extremely unsettling, even scary. You might realize why you were stopped. Maybe you have no idea what you did that attracted the officer’s attention. Whatever the particular situation and circumstances are, there are a few ground rules to follow that can prevent the encounter from escalating into a hostile confrontation.
Police officers typically look for certain indications that a driver might have been drinking. They especially look for erratic operation of a vehicle. These indications of drunk driving include driving sluggishly, the vehicle is drifting, having near-collisions with other cars, making wide or illegal turns, stopping when you don’t need to and driving in the wrong lane or in the middle of the street.
Let’s say you have been stopped for drunk driving. How should you act? The best overall advice to follow is to be respectful, calm and non-threatening, both in what you say and in your attitude. Don’t say or do anything, even unintentionally, that could make the officer uneasy or startled. It might be tempting to argue or be aggressive. This is definitely not the time to behave that way. Keep your emotions in check.
Advice on what to do if a police officer pulls you over for suspicion of drunk driving
- Pull over on the side of the road in a safe location.
- Turn on the overhead light in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
- Place both hands on the wheel where they are obvious to the officer.
- Do not admit anything.
- The only information you should give, if you are asked to do so, is “your driver’s license, vehicle registration, or proof of insurance.”
Getting stopped for drunk driving and the possible aftermath of such a stop can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused and anxious about what could happen next. Learn more about your legal rights in this situation.
