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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 3^rd 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.