What should officers look for during a DUI stop?

During a DUI stop, officers need to assess whether the driver shows signs of impairment, which includes observing behaviors such as erratic driving patterns, slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, and other indications of intoxication. These signs are critical because they form the basis for determining whether further action, such as field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests, is necessary.

While checking for license and registration is standard protocol, it does not specifically address the potential impairment of the driver. Likewise, assessing vehicle condition or passenger behavior might provide context about the overall situation but does not directly evaluate the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely. Recognizing signs of impairment is central to the purpose of a DUI stop—ensuring road safety and identifying individuals who may pose a risk to themselves and others.