In Florida, law enforcement officers are constantly on the lookout for drivers who exhibit behaviors that may indicate impairment or other traffic violations. Understanding the most common actions that can lead to a traffic and DUI stop is crucial for all drivers. This article will cover the top ten behaviors that frequently result in traffic stops, leading to DUI investigations, and how a DUI attorney can challenge the various field sobriety tests used by law enforcement in Florida.
1. Erratic or Dangerous Driving
Erratic driving is one of the most common reasons law enforcement initiates a traffic stop. Erratic behavior includes swerving between lanes, making sudden stops, or failing to maintain a consistent speed. These actions often indicate that the driver is distracted, fatigued, or impaired by alcohol or drugs.
2. Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit is a primary reason for traffic stops. Speeding not only endangers the driver but also other road users. Law enforcement officers may suspect a driver is impaired if they are driving significantly above or below the speed limit, as alcohol or drugs can affect a driver’s perception of speed.
3. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Ignoring traffic signals, such as running red lights or stop signs, is a clear violation of traffic laws and a major reason for traffic stops. These actions are dangerous and often associated with impaired driving, as alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time.
4. Failing to Use Turn Signals
Failing to use turn signals when changing lanes or making turns is another common cause of traffic stops. This behavior can indicate distracted or impaired driving, as the driver may not be fully aware of their surroundings or may be unable to perform basic driving tasks.
5. Tailgating
Following another vehicle too closely, or tailgating, is a traffic violation that can lead to a stop. Tailgating is often a sign of aggressive driving, which may be exacerbated by impairment from alcohol or drugs. Law enforcement officers view tailgating as a dangerous behavior that increases the likelihood of an accident.
6. Drifting Between Lanes
Drifting between lanes without signaling or making abrupt lane changes is a common sign of impaired driving. This behavior often results from a lack of coordination or focus, which can be caused by alcohol, drugs, or extreme fatigue. Officers are likely to initiate a traffic stop when they observe this behavior.
7. Driving Without Headlights at Night
Driving without headlights at night is a clear traffic violation and a common reason for stops. Impaired drivers may forget to turn on their headlights, especially after leaving a bar or party. This oversight signals to officers that the driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
8. Making Wide or Improper Turns
Making wide or improper turns, such as turning from the wrong lane or taking a turn too sharply, can indicate that a driver is impaired. These actions often result from a lack of coordination or impaired judgment, which are key signs of DUI.
9. Slow or Inconsistent Driving
Driving significantly below the speed limit or failing to maintain a consistent speed can raise suspicions of impaired driving. Slow or inconsistent driving may indicate that the driver is trying to compensate for their impairment, making law enforcement more likely to initiate a stop.
10. Vehicle Equipment Violations
Traffic stops can also result from vehicle equipment violations, such as broken taillights, expired registration, or excessively tinted windows. While these violations may not directly indicate impairment, they give law enforcement a legal reason to stop the vehicle. Once stopped, the officer may detect signs of impairment, leading to a DUI investigation.
Contact Musca Law 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 For Your FREE Consultation
If you have been stopped and charged with a DUI in Florida, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a skilled and experienced DUI attorney. Musca Law, P.A. offers a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys with a proven track record of success in handling DUI cases. We provide free consultations 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 and serve all 67 counties in Florida. Protect your rights and your future by contacting Musca Law, P.A. today for expert legal representation.
By understanding the common behaviors that lead to traffic and DUI stops and knowing how to challenge the reliability of field sobriety tests, you can better prepare to defend your case and achieve the most favorable outcome possible.