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We were always told (as far back as being 15 year-olds in Driver's Ed.) if you get pulled over and the Officer suspects you are impaired, always decline the fie
by edwhitesell 11y ago
We were always told (as far back as being 15 year-olds in Driver's Ed.) if you get pulled over and the Officer suspects you are impaired, always decline the field sobriety tests and ask for a Breathalyzer at the station. This does 2 things:
1) It provides a definitive test which would later stand in court (if needed).
2) Gives you more time to "sober up" if you actually have been drinking.
At the time, I remember thinking it was good information. In hindsight, it's rather funny to think it came from the High School teachers who were teaching Driver's Ed.
- zachrose 11y agoI believe most (all?) states now have implied consent laws, under the rationale that driving is a privilege not a right. So declining a field sobriety test may in fact lead to the same penalties as failing one. (Maybe worth a shot though?) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implied_consent https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implied_consent
- edwhitesell 11y agoInteresting. I have not followed those types of laws in the 20 years (and 4 new states) since Driver's Ed. Going back to the Michigan laws, Implied Consent does apply there today. However, the implied consent of chemical testing only appears to apply if you've been arrested. You can, however, still be fined for declining the field sobriety test while not under arrest.