What do police officers look when they stop someone for DWI in Missouri?

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

Police officers look for different things to identify a drinking driver.

Some of the clues they are taught to observe include:

  1. Turning with a wide radius
  2. Cutting a turn too sharp
  3. Straddling center of lane marker
  4. "Appearing to be drunk"
  5. Almost striking object or vehicle
  6. Weaving in your lane
  7. Weaving from lane to lane
  8. Driving on other than designated highway
  9. Swerving
  10. Speed more than 10 mph below limit
  11. Stopping without cause in traffic lane
  12. Following too closely
  13. Not immediately moving after a stop light turns from red to green

Post-Stop Cues

The following are post-stop cues--according to police sources - that have been found to be excellent predictors of DWI offenders. Read these and be mindful what Police are looking for when you are pulled over.

  • Difficulty with motor vehicle controls,
  • Difficulty exiting the vehicle,
  • Fumbling for or with driver's license or registration,
  • Repeating questions or comments to the officer,
  • Swaying, unsteady, or balance problems,
  • Leaning on the vehicle or other object,
  • Slurred speech, rapid speech and giggling,
  • Slow to respond to officer/officer must repeat questions,
  • Provides incorrect information or changes answers, and
  • Odor of alcoholic beverage from the driver or the vehicle.



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