Driving drunk can lead to the police pulling a vehicle over and conducting an investigation. The police will use several tactics to gather evidence to determine whether a driver is drunk, including questioning, standardized field sobriety tests and chemical sobriety tests.
A chemical sobriety test is often the most accurate resource to prove that a driver is inebriated. It measures the blood alcohol content (BAC) in the body. A BAC reading above the legal limit can lead to driving under the influence (DUI) charges.
Police can ask drivers to perform urine, blood and breath tests. Here’s what you should know about each test.
Urine test
The police can ask for a sample of the driver’s urine. The driver often gives this sample at a police station, hospital or other medical facility. The urine sample can be used to give an estimate of a driver’s BAC, but this test is often unreliable compared to other tests. That’s because it’s often time-consuming, and divers may not be able to urinate for the test.
Blood test
Much like a urine test, a blood test can be done at a hospital or police station to evaluate a driver’s BAC. Alcohol is quickly absorbed into the blood and is often at its highest level an hour after consumption. Furthermore, there can be complications with blood tests similar to urine tests that make them unfavorable.
Breath test
The breath test is often the most common sobriety test. A breath test can be done during a traffic stop by using a small machine. The driver will blow into the device, and an evaluation is often immediately given. This test is typically the most accurate and favored of the three tests.
Drivers should be aware of their rights during traffic stops. If you’ve been arrested, having legal guidance can help you determine whether your rights were violated and work toward the best possible resolution.