by Bryan Jennings

Created on: April 03, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

The best advice for getting pulled over for driving drunk is the same for the best advice for being shot; try not to be. If, however, you've actually gotten into the car and have been drinking, remember first that the police officer who has pulled you over is not drunk, is, in fact, quite sober, wide awake, and more than anything, not amused. It is most likely late at night, and the last thing the police officer wants is to actually have to deal with a drunk driver. You are going under the microscope by a very alert examiner, so your actions should be tailored to not set off any warning signs and to diffuse the tension of the situation.

This does not mean you should be cavalier. Keep your answers short, simple and end with a "sir" or "ma'am" depending on the sex of the cop. Showing respect, especially deferential respect, will keep the situation from getting tense and combative. Whatever you do, do NOT get indignant, the police officer pulling you over will not tolerate you catching an attitude with him, he already thinks you're guilty, getting sarcastic will only make his opinion of you worse. Your job here is to prove your innocence, if you've been pulled over, the officer already thinks you're guilty, remember that. If he makes a comment to the effects of "I saw you swerving back there" do not make up some lame excuse, simply apologize and wait for him to continue, you don't have to justify yourself, and attempts to do so will likely only trip you up further.

Remember also, police officers have to behave according to regulations, give them no excuse to think you are being resistive, hostile or uncooperative. If they feel you are they can treat you far more harshly than if you simply comply with what they are asking of you.

Don't laugh, no matter how amusing a question or a situation might be. Laughter when pulled over by a police officer is NOT normal behavior. They're expecting you to be cowed and perhaps a bit fearful, don't disappoint them. Do NOT attempt to make small talk and joke around, you're not having beers with a friend, you're being tested by an officer of the law, there is a distinct difference between the two. Do not fumble with documents in the car. Clumsiness will set off immediate warning bells in the police officer's mind. Keep your registration somewhere that is easily accessible so that you can get to it without difficulty.

Remember, the legal limit in most states in .08, be mindful of how much you've had to drink and hopefully you'll never find yourself being pulled over.

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