How a traffic violation can lead to a DWI arrest

You may not think driving a little buzzed is a big deal. However, if law enforcement stops you for another traffic violation, it can become one. You do not even need to drink enough alcohol to show visible signs of intoxication. Any indication that you’ve been drinking can lead to an arrest for a DWI.

Looking for evidence

During a traffic stop, law enforcement officers will ask you for your driver’s license, registration and insurance. They may even ask you some innocent sounding questions to keep you talking. During that time, the officer will assess your physical appearance and the contents in your vehicle that are in view for potential signs of drinking.

If they suspect you are intoxicated from your appearance, smell or the contents of your vehicle, you may need to complete a field sobriety test. A positive result can cause you to receive a DWI charge. This may, in turn, lead to the loss of your license.

Bear in mind that you may have been driving just like everyone else on the roads but at a slower or faster speed. There is also the possibility that you failed to stop completely at a red light. The moment you failed to follow the rules of the road was when the officer was looking your way.

Any traffic violation can become serious business 

Traffic tickets are not always easy to handle. You may think you can get by with paying the fines to make them disappear.

However, even small traffic mistakes or infractions can turn into something more serious. Even if drinking is not involved, too many points on your record can lead to a suspended license because of the New York point system.

Do everything you can to protect your driving record. Failure to defend yourself from seemingly minor tickets may lead to a blemish on your record.