Deep Dive: Getting Pulled Over for a DUI (Part 1 of 2)

An officer can pull you over if they have probable cause to believe that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (California Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a), (b), (f)).

Officers can run any car or motorcycle plate to see if there is a warrant or suspension of license by the registered owner.

If you are pulled over, assume the officer has a body camera that is recording your interaction.

Be polite and professional. An officer in California must tell you why they pulled you over. This is a new California law as of 1/1/24.

They can ask for your drivers license, registration and insurance information. You MUST provide this.

You do not need to discuss anything such as where you are coming from, where you are going, how much you had to drink, or what you ate. They are collecting evidence against you.

You are not required to perform a field sobriety test (FST) or blow into a field preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) because a PAS is considered an FST.