Every driver should know their constitutional rights when being pulled over, questioned, and / or arrested by police for DUI in Washington State.

First, stay calm. Don’t run, resist, or obstruct the officers. This can lead to additional charges. Do not give false documents or information. Keep your hands where the police can see them at all times. Do not reach suddenly for any items. Ask for permission to reach for items.

Police need reasonable suspicion to stop you. Police can pull you over if they observe you weaving over the roadway lines (either into oncoming traffic or on to the roadway shoulder), driving too fast or too slow, or showing other signs of impaired driving. If the police do not say why you were stopped, you have the right to ask. Be sure to ask in a calm, respectful manner. Police will usually tell you the reason for your traffic stop.

You have the right to remain silent. You don’t have to answer questions from police, except their questions about your identity and current address. But it creates an appearance of guilt if you don’t respond to their questions or only answer some. If driving, you are required by law to produce your driver license, vehicle registration, and proof of auto insurance.

You have the right to refuse all field sobriety tests (FSTs) requested of you by police at the scene. You have the right to refuse a breath alcohol test at the police station. However, you can be forced to submit to a blood alcohol / drug test if police first obtain a search warrant.