California is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to set up more DUI checkpoints, place more police DUI task force officers on the road, and increase scrutiny of people with multiple DUI convictions. Known as the California Avoid DUI Campaign, this increased surveillance is intended to keep drunk drivers off the roads over the Labor Day holiday.
Both at DUI sobriety checkpoints and while patrolling in police vehicles, police will be looking for signs that drivers are impaired or intoxicated. Since the goal of the increase in patrols is to catch as many people driving under the influence as possible; police may also pull you over for minor traffic infractions or vehicle problems such as a broken headlight. The police may even stop you if your driving doesn’t indicate you may be under the influence of alcohol.
If you are pulled over by police or stopped at a California DUI sobriety checkpoint; sit calmly in your car with your hands on the steering wheel. Remember to always keep your license, registration, and proof of insurance in a place where they will be ready to hand to the police officer. The officer may ask you where you’re coming from, where you’re going, and whether you’ve been drinking. You have the right to politely refuse to answer these questions. Admitting you have been drinking is enough for a police officer to try to administer field sobriety tests. These tests are notoriously difficult to give and to perform. Because it’s so easy to do them incorrectly, taking them may result in a DUI arrest even if you are not impaired.
If you are arrested for DUI in California over the Labor Day holiday, please get in touch with the experienced California drunk driving attorneys at Sitkoff & Hanrahan. Our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties will fight to protect your rights in court and seek the best possible outcome in your DUI case. Call 1-866-430-8383 today for a free and confidential DUI consultation.