Hey there, welcome back and thanks for coming back to check out our list of things Michigan cops might ask you do during roadside sobriety tests. As we pointed out in the previous two articles, there are lots of different tests cops can ask you to do to prove that you’re sober (or drunk, if that’s the case). Remember though, you have no obligation to comply with a request to do the field sobriety tests. The reality is that the roadside sobriety test is only a part of the assessment a cop does on you when they think you’ve been drinking. In truth, cops are checking you out long before they even pull you over…
Signs a driver might be drunk behind the wheel:
Cops are more likely to pull you over if you’re driving in a way that makes you look intoxicated. Drunk and drugged drivers tend to do certain things while on the road, and cops are trained to watch for these signs. Curious what they’re looking out for on the road? Here’s a list of the most common signs of a drunk driver:
- Driving without headlights
- Weaving in and out of your lane
- Driving too fast
- Driving too slowly
- Using your phone while driving
- Driving the wrong way down one way streets
- Not using turn signals properly
- Following the vehicle in front of you too closely
- Not stopping at stop signs or red traffic lights
The assessment starts the moment they walk up to your car.
If a cop says they want you to step out of the car and perform a test, it may sound like they’re planning to evaluate you for intoxication. And they are. But the truth is, they’ve been checking you out from the moment they walked up to your window. So what exactly are they looking for? There are lots of signs a cop can watch for to see if you seem drunk. Wondering what they keep a sharp eye out for? Check out this list of possible signs that you’re under the influence:
- The smell of alcohol (or weed) on your breath or clothes,
- Slurred speech, or struggling to pronounce longer words,
- Bloodshot, watery or glassy eyes
- The inability to focus your eyes when looking at the officer,
- Rambling sentences when you talk to them, or answer questions and explain yourself
- The inability to quickly produce your driver’s license, registration and insurance cards,
- Fumbling with things while handling them
- Struggling to wind down your window or open your car door
- Lolling head and slack muscles
- Dozing off or blacking out while talking to them or waiting for them to check your details
- Confusion about where you’ve been, where you are, or where you’re going
There are lots of ways officers can try to prove that you’re drunk.
In addition to all of these signs of possible drunkenness we’ve just looked at, and all the roadside field sobriety tests we’ve already covered, Michigan cops can be pretty creative when it comes to trying to trip you up and get you to make a drunken mistake. However, if a cop thinks you’re drunk, in the end they’re going to ask you to take a preliminary breath test (PBT) at the scene. But remember – you’re free to refuse the PBT, although be aware that refusing a pre-arrest breath test is a civil infraction and you’ll likely have to pay a ticket. Though there’s no obligation to take the roadside breath test (PBT), you are obligated to take the breath test at the jail or police station. If you refuse, you’ll automatically lose your driver’s license for at least a year.
If you’re accused of drunk driving, get help from the right people!
Here at The Kronzek Firm we’ve been fighting drunk and drugged driving charges for decades, and winning! So don’t assume that your DUI case can’t be won. Our expert DUI defense attorneys will analyze every aspect of your case and consider every angle. We work closely with you throughout, including you in every step of the process. This team concept, which we believe in wholeheartedly, works well for our clients who are valuable members of our defense team. So call 866 766 5245 today, and get help from the top DUI attorneys with a long track record of success!
