How to Avoid A DUI

10 Tips to Avoid a DUI in Tennessee


1.  Don’t drink and drive is the only way to avoid a DUI. However, it is not illegal to consume alcohol and operate a vehicle. Therefore, should you choose to consume a moderate amount of alcohol over a reasonable period of time, then you should be aware of the following tips. Beware that drinking a small amount of alcohol while fatigued or while taking medication can make you impaired. If you admit to either fatigue or medication, these facts will be used against you.

2.  Try not to drive after 11:00 p.m. The vast majority of DUI traffic stops occur after this time. In fact, many cities have special DUI enforcement officers who take the streets on
this 3rd shift. They are the most experienced and aggressive DUI enforcers.

3.  Make sure that all equipment on your vehicle is
operational and that your license plate is
current. In short, do not give the police an
easy reason to pull you over in the first place.

4.  If stopped by the police, always be very polite
and aware of his or her safety. Try to pull over
carefully and without any delay. Don’t stop in
the roadway without leaving a safe place for the
officer to pull over. By following this advice,
you demonstrate that you are thinking clearly
and rationally. Make sure when the officer
approaches you look at him and keep you hands on
the top of the steering wheel to let them know
you are safe and, again, thinking clearly.

5.  Questions regarding the consumption of alcohol
should be answered honestly but without being
too specific.

6.  If asked to do roadside field sobriety tests,
politely explain to the officer that you have
nothing to hide and you don’t want to be
difficult, but you would prefer not to do these
tests, as they are unreliable. These tests have
a reliability rate of only 65-77% according to
the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. They are extremely unreliable
tests. However, be aware that refusing to submit
to these tests will accelerate your arrest.

7.  Always be on your best behavior. Most
jurisdictions have in car video equipment.
Always assume that everything you do and say
will be recorded for your prosecution.

8.  The decision to take a breath test is a
difficult on to make. Until Tennessee adopts
“dual testing” (taking 2 breath samples) it is
recommended that you politely decline to take a
breath test for this reason. Dual testing in
recommended by the federal government to ensure
accurate results. Tennessee refuses to adopt
this standard for unknown reasons.

9.  Upon being released from jail, immediately write
a narrative of all events from the time the
officer stopped you to the time you were
released. Try to remember everything to the
smallest detail.

10.  Retain an experienced DUI lawyer to represent
your interests. Find an attorney you are
comfortable with first and foremost.