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Signs of Impairment: What Officers Look for Before and During the Stop 
When you’re pulled over by law enforcement in South Carolina, the officer is not only assessing whether you are following traffic laws but also looking for signs of impairment. DUI stops are designed to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road, and officers have a checklist of observations they make before and during the stop. Here’s what they look for:
Erratic Driving Behavior
One of the first things officers notice is your driving behavior. A police officer will typically observe your driving before they even pull you over. If you’re swerving between lanes, hitting curbs, or driving in an unpredictable manner, it immediately raises suspicion. Even simple mistakes like failing to signal or driving too slowly can indicate to an officer that you might be impaired.- Failure to Maintain Lane: If you’re unable to keep your vehicle within its lane, it could indicate that your motor skills are affected, which is a common sign of impairment.
- Weaving: Weaving in and out of lanes, or swerving unnecessarily, might prompt an officer to pull you over.
- Speeding or Driving Too Slowly: Excessive speeding or driving too slowly without reason can be an indication of a driver’s inability to judge speed or distance, a symptom of alcohol or drug impairment.
The Physical Indicators of Impairment
Once you’ve been pulled over, the officer will examine various physical cues to determine if you show signs of impairment. These signs can be subtle, but they provide officers with the necessary information to proceed further.Physical Appearance
Your physical appearance can tell an officer a lot. Some key signs officers look for include:- Bloodshot or Watery Eyes: A common sign of alcohol or drug use, bloodshot eyes can be an immediate indicator of impairment. It may be especially noticeable under certain lighting conditions, such as at night or during a roadside stop.
- Flushed Skin: Alcohol consumption often causes the skin to redden, especially around the face. This could signal that you’ve been drinking.
- Unsteady Movements: Officers pay attention to how you move. If you’re unsteady or have difficulty getting out of your vehicle, this could indicate that your coordination is impaired.
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Behavioral Clues: Speech and Actions
Beyond your physical appearance, officers will also be listening for clues in your behavior. The way you speak, your tone, and how you respond to questions can all provide indicators of impairment.Slurred Speech
One of the most common signs of alcohol impairment is slurred speech. Officers will listen carefully to how you speak when answering questions. If your words are slurred or you have difficulty forming coherent sentences, it may suggest that alcohol or drugs have impaired your cognitive functions. Slow or Unsteady Speech: Officers will be looking for signs that your speech lacks its usual clarity. If you take longer to respond or need more time to gather your thoughts, it might be a clue of intoxication.Confused or Agitated Behavior
An impaired driver may appear agitated or overly anxious. If you become defensive when speaking with the officer, this could raise suspicion. It is important to remain calm and polite during the interaction to avoid drawing attention to any behaviors that could suggest impairment.Field Sobriety Tests: What to Expect and How Officers Use Them
If an officer believes you are impaired after observing the signs above, they will likely ask you to perform field sobriety tests. These tests are designed to assess your balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions. The officer will be looking for signs that you are unable to perform the tests as expected.Related Videos
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Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs)
There are three primary tests that officers typically use to assess impairment during a DUI stop in South Carolina:- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test: In this test, the officer will ask you to follow a moving object (usually a pen or flashlight) with your eyes. If your eyes jerk involuntarily when following the object, it could indicate impairment.
- Walk-and-Turn Test: This test involves walking heel-to-toe along a straight line. Officers observe your ability to maintain balance and follow instructions. Difficulty completing this task can suggest impairment.
- One-Leg Stand Test: In this test, you’ll be asked to stand on one leg while counting aloud. Officers look for signs of unsteadiness or inability to balance as key indicators of intoxication.