A DUI can be devastating in many aspects. For starters, they’re incredibly expensive, and if you lose your job because you’re stuck behind bars, it’s hard to come up with the money to pay. The whole experience of handling your DUI charges can last for weeks, months, or years. To avoid all this, there are a few steps you can take to avoid getting pulled over for a DUI.
Check out our helpful guide on how to not get pulled over:
Infographic courtesy of the AZ DUI Team, experienced lawyers in Phoenix Arizona
1. Don’t Drink and Drive
Yes, this one is obvious, but it tops our list for a very important reason—if people didn’t drink (and/or do drugs) and drive, no one would ever be arrested for a DUI. If you’re going out with friends or colleagues, keep your car parked in a safe location so you can rely on the assistance of a designated driver after your fun is done. Most bars will allow you to keep your car in their parking lot over night if you let them know you’ve had too much to drink, so communicate with your bartender or server, then call a Lyft of Uber.
2. Wear Your Seatbelt
It’s the law to wear your seatbelt, and you don’t want to give officers any reasons to pull you over. Avoid unwanted red-and-blue lights by buckling up.
Not only are seatbelts life-saving tools, it’s against the law to not wear one.
3. Keep a Safe Distance
Tailgating is unsafe, whether you’re sober or not. The car in front of you can stop at a moment’s notice, and if you’ve been drinking, you may not have the reflexes to react quickly enough to prevent an accident.
Tailgating can also lead to situations of road rage. Since you don’t know what the person in front of you will do or is going through, keep your own car a safe distance away.
4. Always Use Turn Signals
People can’t read your mind, so don’t expect them to. Turn signals help pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists know when you plan to make a move. Without them, an officer may find your movements suspicious, which could ultimately wind up with you on the side of the road.
5. Follow Posted Traffic Signs
Displaying disregard for posted signs can be grounds for reasonable suspicion to detain you. Be very aware of all the traffic signs in your area, and don’t disobey them, even if you find them to be irrelevant. People often find themselves in trouble when they make U-turns where they’re not supposed to or turn on red lights when posted signs prohibit such actions.
If you’re not 100% sure you’re legally allowed to do something you’re thinking about, find another route. Turn into a parking lot instead of making a U-turn. Wait for the light to turn green, rather than going on red. Simple strategies can save you from looking suspicious if a cop is in the area.
6. Stay Within the Speed Limit
Driving too fast—or too slow—can immediately alert police officers that something is amiss. It’s important to be mindful of the posted speed limit wherever you are. Sometimes, speed limits can fluctuate, particularly in residential areas. If you’re not paying attention, you could find yourself driving significantly faster or slower than average, which can become grounds for probable cause if the police pull you over.
7. Pay Attention to Things Around You
Pedestrians, pot holes, and pets are all road hazards you can’t necessarily anticipate. You have to keep your eyes scanning the road constantly in order to be able to react to unexpected situations. If you fail to see a pedestrian or flatten your tire on a pothole after you’ve been drinking, a seemingly simple drive home could wind up with a DUI.
8. Follow the Three-Second Rule
The three-second rule means you reach a static object no less than three seconds after the car in front of you. For example, you may use a light post on the side of the road as your measuring point. The car in front of you will clear that pole, and your car won’t encounter it for three full seconds if you’re providing proper distance. This can help ensure you’re able to react to unexpected circumstances while keeping you away from tailgating instances.
If you’ve already been arrested for a DUI, these tips on how to not get pulled over may be a little too late, so it’s time to turn to an experienced attorney. Jon Artz has been defending DUI clients in Los Angeles for many years, and he knows what it takes to get the best possible outcome out of each individual scenario. You’re welcome to call Jon at (310) 820-1315 any time, day or night, if you need assistance with your DUI charges.
