Driving can be unpredictable, can’t it? Especially late at night or on weekends, when everyone seems to forget how lanes work. One small mistake—barely a blip to you—might look suspicious to an officer.
And that’s usually where Greeley traffic offense attorneys come in (not exactly a call anyone wants to make).
The truth is, knowing what usually catches a cop’s attention can help you stay clear of a DUI traffic stop. Staying alert and, you know, actually paying attention—it really does make a difference.
DUI Traffic Stop: What Can Cause You A Penalty?
Here are some common behaviors that can lead to a DUI traffic stop. If you have an idea about those, it will be beneficial.
Swerving Or Drifting Between Lanes
Have you ever seen a car that just can’t stay straight? Even if it’s just a gentle drift, officers notice that instantly. Sometimes it’s nothing—just reaching for your coffee or checking your mirror—but it looks off.
To them, that usually means fatigue, distraction, or possible impairment. Try to keep your hands steady and your lane tight. Not always easy, but worth the effort.
Sudden Or Erratic Braking
Tapping the brakes a lot for no reason? That’ll get attention. Maybe you thought someone was pulling out or you misread a light—it happens. But to a cop following behind, it just looks jittery. They might assume you’re not focused or that something’s affecting your judgment.
Frequent Abrupt Stops
Stopping here, stopping there, when the traffic’s smooth—it gives off a “something’s wrong” vibe. Even if you’re just being careful, it looks like hesitation or confusion. And that’s all it takes for an officer to get curious.
Stopping Too Early Or Too Late
Braking too soon or waiting too long to stop doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it catches eyes fast. It’s one of those things that screams “delayed reactions,” and unfortunately, that’s a red flag during DUI patrols.
Inconsistent Speed Changes
If your speed’s all over the place—slow, fast, slow again—it looks unpredictable. Cops are trained to watch for that. They’ll assume you’re distracted, stressed, or impaired. Smooth and steady keeps you under the radar. Literally.
Driving Too Slowly Or Too Fast For Conditions
When your speed doesn’t match the situation—like crawling down an empty street or flying in the rain—it sticks out. Officers notice drivers who aren’t moving with traffic. It just hints that something might be off.
Driving Too Fast
Speeding, especially in busy or low-visibility areas, always raises suspicion. It feels like a power move until you see those flashing lights in the mirror. At high speeds, you’ve got way less time to react, and that alone can trigger a stop.
Driving Too Slowly
Going way under the limit can be just as bad. It throws off the flow and makes people wonder why. Lost? Tired? Distracted? Maybe something else. To an officer, it’s worth checking out.
Failure to Adjust For Road Conditions
Rain, snow, ice—it all changes how you should drive. If you’re still cruising like it’s a sunny day, that’s risky. Officers pick up on that right away. Slowing down shows awareness; ignoring it can look careless or even unsafe.
Ignoring Traffic Signs Or Signals
It’s easy to miss a sign or forget who has the right of way, but cops spot that instantly. Running a red or rolling through a stop sign doesn’t always mean you’re impaired, but they don’t know that. It just looks bad—no way around it.
Running Red Lights Or Stop Signs
If you blast through a stop or catch a light halfway red, expect to see blue lights next. That one’s hard to explain away. Even if it’s an honest mistake, it’s one of the top reasons people get pulled over.
Failing To Yield Or Obey Lane Rules
Forgetting to yield or drifting into the wrong lane can make your driving look unpredictable. Cops don’t like unpredictability—it hints at distraction or lack of control. A small miss like that can easily draw their attention.
Ignoring Posted Warnings
Signs that warn about sharp turns, school zones, or merging traffic aren’t just for decoration. Skipping them can make it seem like you’re zoning out. Officers usually take that as a cue to keep an eye on you.
Making Wide Or Unsafe Turns
Turning mistakes are another behavior that can quickly draw police attention. Officers often notice when a driver struggles to stay within their lane while turning, as it can indicate impaired coordination or distraction.
Turning Too Wide
If your turn crosses into another lane, even a little, it looks sloppy. Not dangerous, maybe, but not great either. Officers often see that as a sign of poor control or distraction.
Cutting Corners
Cut a corner too tightly, and suddenly you’re halfway into another lane. It’s a small thing, but it signals you might not have full control. That’s exactly the kind of detail officers are trained to spot.
Swinging Into Other Lanes
When your car slides out of its lane mid-turn, it just looks off. Maybe you were distracted, maybe your timing was weird—but it’s one of those subtle things that screams “check this driver.”
Delayed Reaction To Traffic Conditions
Hesitation is one of those sneaky giveaways. You see the car ahead braking but react a second late—stuff like that catches attention fast. It might just be a tired brain, but officers can’t tell, so they assume the worst.
Slow Response To Traffic Signals
Sitting at a green light too long? Yeah, that’s noticeable. Everyone’s waiting, and suddenly the officer behind you’s wondering if you even saw the light. Could be daydreaming, could be something else—either way, not a good look.
Delayed Reaction To Merging Traffic
If you’re hesitant to merge when it’s your turn, it throws off the flow. Officers might read that as confusion or delayed reflexes. Happens to the best of us, but it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Lack Of Adjustment To Sudden Changes
Roads change fast—construction zones, pedestrians, surprise lane closures. If your reaction feels slow, it can look unsafe. Even small delays can make police think something’s wrong.
Drive A Little Different
Knowing what behaviors officers watch for can save you a ton of trouble. Nobody’s perfect; we all slip up now and then. But if you understand what they’re looking for, you’ll probably drive a little differently.
And if things do go sideways and you’re facing a DUI traffic stop or charge, Greeley traffic offense attorneys can help you sort it out and protect your rights. Better to be prepared than caught off guard, right?
