Summer is here, which means it's time to head out to backyard parties. If you're going to be drinking, you should be prepared for what to do if you're pulled over for a DUI. Even if you don't drink and drive, there's always a chance that you might get pulled over at some point. It's important to know that what you do – or don't do – at a DUI traffic stop could affect you. Here are three steps you should take if you're pulled over for a DUI.
Pull Over Safely
From the moment the police officer gets a visual on your car, they're going to be watching your every move, including the way you pull over. As soon as you see the lights go on, slow down and pull over to the right side of the road. Be sure to pull over as smoothly as you can. Don't make any rapid lane changes or other maneuvers that could lead them to believe that you're intoxicated. Once your parked, turn the engine off and wait. If it's dark outside, turn your interior light on. This will allow the police officer to see you. Stay in the car, unless the police officer asks you to get out.
Don't Volunteer Information
When the police officer approaches your car, be polite and answer their questions. Don't volunteer information or expand on answers. Volunteering information or expanding on answers could come back and haunt you later. For instance, don't volunteer that you're on your way home from a party. If the police officer asks if you've been drinking, be truthful but don't expand. Just say yes and leave it at that. If you tell them how many drinks you've had and the blood alcohol test shows that you drank more than that, it could look like you were lying.
Think Before You Say Yes to the BAC Testing
In some states, your driver's license is an implied consent to blood alcohol testing. In New York, if you refuse to take a BAC test, you receive an automatic six-month suspension on your driver's license. Think before you refuse. If you know you're going to fail the test, it might be in your best interest to refuse. However, if you haven't been drinking, or you really have only had one drink an hour ago, take the BAC test.
If you're going to be heading to parties this summer, you need to know what to do if you're pulled over for a DUI. Follow the tips provided here to help you through the process. If your DUI stop results in an arrest, be sure to contact a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases by visiting websites like http://www.tekulvelaw.com.
