What is needed to conduct a DUI stop legally?

To conduct a DUI stop legally, an officer must have probable cause. Probable cause means that the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This could be based on various observations, such as erratic driving, the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, or other signs of impairment.

Establishing probable cause is essential because it protects individuals' rights against unlawful searches and seizures. Without sufficient cause, any evidence gathered during a stop may be deemed inadmissible in court, potentially jeopardizing the prosecution of the DUI case.

Other options like witnesses, video evidence, or traffic citations may support the case against a driver or provide additional context, but they are not required for an officer to initiate a DUI stop. Probable cause is the primary legal basis that justifies the action of pulling a driver over in suspected DUI incidents.