In Texas, people will undoubtedly be worried and fearful when they see a police cruiser in their rearview mirror signaling for them to stop. If it is part of an investigation to see if the driver is under the influence, the possibility of an arrest and the long-term consequences of a conviction are even more troubling. Still, a traffic stop does not mean there will automatically be an arrest. It is important to keep important points in mind when subjected to a traffic stop.
What to do during a traffic stop
To remain safe and avoid worse problems, it is useful to remember do’s and don’ts. A driver should comply when a police vehicle has its lights on and the officer says to pull over and move to the side of the road. After stopping, the hazard lights should be activated, the interior lights should be turned on and the driver should place his or her hands visibly on the steering wheel. Having the driver’s license, insurance, and registration handy will prevent needing to search for them.
Some might not realize they are being asked to stop or err by ignoring the signal and fleeing. These are dangerous choices that will inevitably make the situation harder than it needs to be. Drivers should never exit the vehicle unless the officer asks. Simply following the officer’s commands can prevent unnecessary charges and even a physical confrontation. Hostility is also unwise. Despite the tendency to be irritated for being stopped, taking it out on the officer could look suspicious and spark greater scrutiny. These factors are imperative in any traffic stop but are particularly important if it is a DUI investigation.
A DUI investigation generally starts with a traffic stop
With a traffic stop, the driver should cooperate and adhere to the applicable do’s and don’ts to be safe. However, with the DUI investigation, there is a limit to what the driver is required to agree to. This could be critical during the case and should be kept in mind from the outset.
