There are exceptions when DUI arrests are made, such as those made at DUI checkpoints. However, the majority of the DUI arrests are made solely on suspicion. An officer can only pull you over if they have have a reasonable suspicion that you have actually committed a crime. Once an officer has reasonable suspicion, he or she can pull you over and administer certain tests such as breath tests or roadside tests.
That is why in Minnesota officers will first look for an indication that someone is driving under influence before they pull them over. One sign they will look for is someone who is straddling the road’s center line. This could indicate they are driving under influence. Someone who does not come to a complete stop at a stop sign will also be stopped. Other signs include driving too fast or too slow, failing to use traffic signs, making illegal turns, and making other similar traffic infractions.
An officer may also pull over a driver because of something other than an indication of driving while intoxicated. There only needs to be an infraction. The officer will then form suspicion depending on what they observe after that point. One example when someone is driving at night with their headlights off or broken. Because it is illegal to do so, an officer will pull you over for driving with your lights off. If he or she smells alcohol or has a reason to believe that that you have been drinking, you may be tested. He or she may also interpret your speech to be incoherent. With that suspicion, the officer is allowed to test you.
This knowledge is very important because it is not legal for an officer to simply pull you over without probable cause or reasonable suspicion. In Minnesota, knowing exactly why you were stopped in the first place is an important factor in your defense.
Learn More About DWI Cases:
- Bail Bonds and DWI Cases
- Breath and Blood Tests
- Commercial DWI Information
- Civil Penalties for DWI Cases
- DWI Court Procedures
- DWI Jail Alternatives
- Getting Arrested for DWI Without a Driver’s License
- DWI Work Permit Information
- Implied Consent Laws
- How Does Minnesota Establish DWI Bail?
- Multiple Arrests for DWI in Minnesota? What Now?
- DWI Cases for Non-Citizens
- What is a Qualified Prior Impaired Driving Incident?
- DWI Cases and Vehicle Forfeitures
