Holiday festivities are often filled with alcoholic beverages. While it’s understandable that you would want to enjoy those, it’s crucial that you have a designated driver who can get you home safely. If you’re the one who’s driving others home, be sure you remember to have them throw out their drinks before they get into the vehicle.
Open containers are forbidden on the roadways in New York. This includes those who are passengers in vehicles. Any alcoholic beverages in vehicles must be out of reach of passengers or sealed in a way that prevents them from being consumed.
What else should you remember about drunk driving enforcement?
Drunk driving enforcement patrols are usually increased during the holiday season. Police officers will be on heightened alert to watch for signs of drunk driving. This includes things like swerving between lanes or nearly hitting roadside objects.
Once the officer initiates a traffic stop, they’ll try to determine what’s going on. Tools like field sobriety tests and chemical tests help them do this, but only some are considered valid for court cases.
For field sobriety tests, only the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus tests are considered valid. Preliminary alcohol screening device tests aren’t admissible, but tests from a stationary breath test and those through urine and blood testing are.
Regardless of the alcohol-related charge you’re facing, you should ensure that you understand your defense options. Exploring these early in the case is crucial since some of the options might be time-sensitive. Working with someone familiar with these charges can help you evaluate your choices and how they might affect your future.
