Here’s what you should do at a DUI traffic stop

Should a police officer have reason to believe that you’re driving under the influence of alcohol, they won’t hesitate to pull you over. As scary and stressful as it may be, there are steps you can take to protect your legal rights and hopefully prevent your arrest.

3 things to do when stopped by the police on suspicion of drunk driving

There’s no exact science to handling a DUI traffic stop, but there are some basic steps you should take. Here’s what you need to do:

• Proceed with respect: Don’t give the officer any reason to believe that you’re drunk or that you’re hiding something. Remain respectful at all times, even if they’re not treating you in the same manner.
• Keep quiet (for the most part): You have to say something at some point, but you don’t want to share any information that could make you appear guilty. An example is telling the officer that you’re on your way to the bar or heading home from a friend’s party. These types of statements make it look like you’ve been drinking.
• Don’t resist: No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you could still find yourself under arrest. Resisting doesn’t do you any good, as it can result in physical harm as well as additional criminal charges.

When you do these things at a DUI traffic stop, you not only increase your chances of avoiding an arrest or even bigger trouble, you also improve your chances of a successful defense if you do get arrested. Remember: DUI charges have the potential to alter your life, but only if you’re convicted. Take steps to protect yourself.