Signs of Impairment Police Look for During a Traffic Stop

Police officers use a range of factors to determine whether a driver may be driving under the influence. The signs of drunk driving they look for can help you understand what might happen if you’re pulled over. 

Here are the most common signs of impairment law enforcement officers look for during a traffic stop:

1. Erratic Driving Patterns or Traffic Violations

Generally, the first clue that someone might be driving while impaired is their driving itself. Officers look for swerving, failing to maintain lane position, going over the speed limit, failing to maintain a consistent speed, sudden lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals, among other signs of impaired driving. Erratic driving behavior gives them reasonable suspicion that a driver may be drunk.

2. Odor of Alcohol or Drugs

Another obvious sign of a drunk driver is when they smell alcohol or drugs after pulling a vehicle over. The smell might come from inside the motor vehicle or the driver’s breath. The odor can prompt further testing, like field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests.

3. Slurred Speech or Slow Speech

Speech patterns often give officers clues as to whether someone is driving under the influence. Slurred words, slow responses, and difficulty forming coherent sentences may suggest the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

4. Bloodshot or Glassy Eyes

Physical signs of intoxication, such as glassy, watery, or bloodshot eyes, are telltale indicators of an impaired driver. Officers often describe these signs in their police reports as evidence of drunk or drugged driving.

5. Disorientation or Confusion

If a driver appears confused or disoriented, struggles to provide their license and registration, or has difficulty answering simple questions, this can also indicate impairment. Officers consider how well the driver can follow instructions. They look for whether the driver’s responses align with what they expect in similar situations.

6. Physical Appearance and Movements

Drivers often offer physical clues of intoxication. Stumbling, unsteady movements, poor coordination, and difficulty maintaining balance can raise an officer’s suspicions. Law enforcement often observes these signs when they ask a driver to get out of their vehicle or when they perform field sobriety tests.

7. Admission of Drinking or Drug Use

This is one of the most obvious clues that a driver is impaired. When a driver admits they’ve consumed alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel, it strengthens the officer’s case. Even casual comments about “only having a couple of drinks” will be used as evidence during a DUI investigation.

8. Empty or Open Containers

Spotting empty or open alcohol containers in the vehicle is another clear sign of drunk driving. While the open or empty containers may belong to a passenger or were consumed another time, it’s never a good idea to have them in the passenger cabin.

Can You Get DUI Charges Reduced or Dismissed?

Fortunately, just because you were charged with a DUI doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll receive a DUI conviction. An experienced Las Vegas DUI defense lawyer can challenge the evidence, like whether the traffic stop was valid or the sobriety tests were accurate. Depending on the specific facts of the case, that can lead to reduced or dismissed charges.

Contact Our Las Vegas DUI Attorneys for Help

When you’re accused of driving under the influence, the attorneys at Adras & Altig are here to help. Our experienced Las Vegas DUI attorneys will fight to protect your rights and work to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation with a DUI lawyer.