What are the signs
of a drunk driver?

What are the signs of a drunk driver?

Officers look for specific visual cues that indicate that a driver is driving under the influence or legally intoxicated.  Observing one or more of the following cues will alert police officers and result in a traffic stop.

Cues related to problems in maintaining proper lane position

Weaving
Weaving across lane lines
Straddling a lane line
Drifting
Swerving
Almost striking a vehicle or other object
Turning with a wide radius
Drifting during a curve

Cues related to speed and braking problems

Stopping problems (too far, too short, too jerky)
Accelerating for no reason
Varying speed
Slow speed

Cues related to vigilance problems

Driving without headlights at night
Failure to signal a turn or lane change
Signaling inconsistently with actions
Driving in opposing lanes
Driving the wrong way on a one-way street
Slow response to traffic signals
Slow or failure to respond to officer's signals
Stopping in the lane for no apparent reason

Cues related to judgment problems

Following too closely
Improper or unsafe lane change
Illegal or improper turn (too fast, jerky, sharp, etc.)
Driving on other than the designated roadway
Stopping inappropriately in response to an officer
Inappropriate or unusual behavior
Appearing to be impaired.

Important Notice

This information is generic and may or may not apply to this particular city, county, state or your individual circumstances. State laws vary and are continuously changing. This information does not necessarily reflect the laws in Pennsylvania.  It is not intended to be a source of legal advice or a substitute for qualified legal counsel.  Your access to and use of this web site is subject to additional terms and conditions found in our Terms of Use.  Please read it now.

Where can I get DUI / DWI legal advice?

If you have been charged with a DUI / DWI and you want to discuss your legal rights please contact the law firm below to schedule a free consultation or click on the ad to learn more. 

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration DWI Detection Guide

Important Notice - The Pennsylvania DUI / DWI Help Center is provided for your general information only.  This information is generic.  It is compiled from the laws of several states and may or may not apply to your particular city, county, state or individual circumstances. State laws vary and are continuously changing. This information does not necessarily reflect the laws in Pennsylvania.  It is not intended to be a source of legal advice or a substitute for qualified legal counsel.  Your access to and use of this web site is subject to additional terms and conditions found in our Terms of Use.  Please read it now.

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