DUI, DWI, How Police Find Drunk Drivers

What do police officers tell us that they look for when searching for drunk drivers on the highways?

We are often asked just what do police look for while they are on patrol, to determine whether or not a particular dirver is driving drunk (DUI/DWI). While there are limitless possible answers, there are some that we hear from officers in Court time and time again.

The following is a list of indications, in descending order of probability that the person they see is driving while intoxicated (DUI/DWI). This list is based upon research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Administration and from the comments of local law enforcement officers:

•                Turning too widely

•                Straddling the center of lane line or marker

•                “Looking or acting drunk”

•                Almost striking an object or another vehicle

•                Weaving in the lane of traffic

•                Driving on other than designated highway (i.e the sidewalk)

•                Swerving erratically

•                Speed of more than 10 mph below the limit

•                Stopping without cause in a traffic lane

•                Following too closely

•                Drifting in the lane of traffic

•                Tires on the center or lane marker (as if following the line)

•                Braking erratically

•                Driving into opposing or crossing traffic

•                Signaling inconsistent with driving actions (i.e. signal right, turn left)

•                Slow response to traffic signals

•                Stopping inappropriately (other than in lane)

•                Turning abruptly or illegally

•                Accelerating or decelerating rapidly

•                Headlights off

Speeding is not a symptom of DUI, but it often leads to numerous traffic stops and may result in a DUI case. Many officers, however, note that they will only stop you for speeding if you are ten + miles per hour over the limit, although they are always authorized to stop you for any speed over the posted limit.


If you've received a Traffic Ticket, a DWI-DUI or arrested for Drunk Driving anywhere in New Jersey, you are facing fines, surcharges, loss of license, jail…

To keep you safe, you need the most experienced DUI-DWI-Drunk Driving Lawyer you can find!!!


Former Municipal Court Judge* Robert Avery, Esq., has over 40 years of experience in the analysis and defense of DUI-DWI and Drunk Driving Matters, as well as all other Traffic Related tickets and Summonses. 


Mr. Avery regularly defends DUI-DWI and Drunk Driving Matters, as well as all other Traffic Related tickets and Summonses in all Municipal Courts in the Northern New Jersey region, including those in Bergen County, Hudson County, Passaic County and Morris County, as well as those in the Central Municipal Court in Hackensack, and the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Court.


You are invited to call the offices of Avery & Avery, Esq., at 201-943-2445, or to contact us through our contact page, to schedule a free initial consultation, to see how we can help you with your  DUI-DWI and Drunk Driving Matters, as well as all other Traffic Related tickets and Summonses.


For answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding DUI DWI and Drunk Driving in New Jersey, including fines and penalties, CLICK HERE.

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