Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

What do police officers look for when searching for drunk drivers on the highways?

What do police officers look for when searching for drunk drivers on the highways?

The following is a list of symptoms in descending order of probability that the person observed is driving while intoxicated. The list is based upon research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Administration:

(1) Turning with a wide radius;

(2) Straddling center of lane marker;

(3) "Appearing to be drunk";

(4) Almost striking object or vehicle;

(5) Weaving;

(6) Driving on other than designated highway;

(7) Swerving;

(8) Speed more than 10 mph below limit;

(9) Stopping without cause in traffic lane;

(10) Following too closely;

(11) Drifting;

(12) Tires on center or lane marker;

(13) Braking erratically;

(14) Driving into opposing or crossing traffic;

(15) Signaling inconsistent with driving actions;

(16) Slow response to traffic signals;

(17) Stopping inappropriately (other than in lane);

(18) Turning abruptly or illegally;

(19) Accelerating or decelerating rapidly;

(20) Headlights off.

Speeding, incidentally, is not a symptom of DUI; in some circumstances it may suggest quicker reflexes and sobriety.