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Driving while under the influence is never a wise decision, but if you find yourself in this situation, there are several procedures to follow. Drunk driving causes not only millions of deaths each year, but also causes quite a few headaches for you, the driver.

If you get pulled over while intoxicated, remember to stay calm. Your judgment will be impaired and adrenalin pumping. Abrupt moves while inside your car, can unfavorably gain the attention of the Police Officers making the stop.

Be sure to obey all commands of the Officer making the stop, you are breaking the law by driving intoxicated, so arguing or refusing will only get you into more trouble. Yes Sir and no Sir's are your very best bet.

Once you have seen the Police cars lights flash at you, or hear the siren and loud speaker, asking you to pull over, slowly pull over to the right side of the street and come to a complete stop. Turn your engine off and keep your seat belt on until the Officer comes to your window. Many times the Officer cannot see what you are doing, and can mistake you removing your seat belt as an attempt to retrieve a weapon.

When you are instructed to show identification and/or registration, answer with a yes, and inform them that you need to reach into your glove box to get the items out. You may also want to ask if you can remove your seat belt to obtain your wallet.

Never argue with a Police Officer. Any excuse you are trying to give them, they have already heard a million times. Begging and pleading will only make for a great conversation topic at the Police Station, among their fellow Officers, with you as the joke.

Crying or whining? Bad idea! Police Officers have a stressful job, listening to you cry or whine will only aggravate them more. Often times they can use this little act as a way to add one more count against you, refusing to cooperate with an Officer of the law, or resisting arrest.

When asked to take a Breathalyzer, just do it, for the sake of your own sanity, just do it. Refusing this, will give them the right to take you in, have your blood drawn to determine your blood alcohol level. Breathalyzers are easy and often quick. If you pass, they will most likely let you go, or at the very least not require a blood test.

Cooperation is the key. Honesty is usually the best policy, however when being pulled over for a DUI, the less you talk, the better! If you find yourself in a situation like this, the last thing you want to do is add even more money on top of that DUI fine, by arguing and talking back.

Learn more about this author, Erinn Soule.
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