No one wants to get stuck spending their spring break in jail, which is why you should avoid drinking and driving during your spring break at all costs. Even if you are vacationing in a different state during your spring break, the same laws still apply. A passenger car driver who is caught with more than 0.08% BAC can still be penalized and may be put in jail, or forced to surrender his or her license.
In order to take extra precautions to avoid a DUI, you should never open a bottle of alcohol in your car. Even if you did not drink a drop, you can still be arrested for violating the open container laws. These laws state that you can be arrested if you have an open container of alcohol in your car regardless of whether or not you have had anything to drink while operating the vehicle. This same law applies if the person with the alcohol is a passenger, rather than the driver.
If you are under 21, it is essential to remember that the zero tolerance laws apply. This means that if you drink any alcoholic beverage and then drive, regardless of how much you consumed, you can be penalized. If you are under the legal drinking age, it is very important that you avoid alcohol in order to have a safe and penalty-free spring break.
Also, don’t drive erratically near DUI checkpoints. Police can pull you over for a DUI if they have reasonable suspicion. If you U-turn at a DUI checkpoint, then the police may suspect that that is enough to chase you down and perform a breathalyzer test. Also, remember that there are often heightened patrols and more DUI checkpoints during spring break. This is because many police are on the lookout for rowdy spring breakers abusing alcohol laws.
Keep in mind that drugs, even prescribed drugs, can still lead to a DUI. If you have been prescribed a medication and take if before driving, a blood test may evidence that you have illegal narcotics in your blood. It is very important that you avoid taking any medications before driving.
If you plan on going on vacation wit your friends for spring break, always make a plan to get back to your hotel without driving should you become intoxicated. For example, if you and your friends decide to spend college spring break in Las Vegas make sure to have a taxi service to call if you end up intoxicated and unable to drive back to your hotel. You can also take public transportation, or opt to designate a driver.
Be wise when you are out on the road, and avoid reckless driving, even if it’s just for enjoyment. You don’t want to draw attention to your vehicle and be the subject of a police stop. If you are arrested for a DUI over spring break, you need to call a lawyer right away. With the right attorney on your side, you may be able to avoid serious penalties affiliated with a DUI.
Don’t hesitate to call an attorney right away if you want to learn more. A local team in your area may be able to help you clear any misunderstandings about DUIs or to discuss any concerns that you have regarding your case. You have the right to refute false breathalyzer readings, or to challenge inaccurate field sobriety test results. An attorney can help you to accomplish these goals in your case, so use this directory to locate a trusted lawyer near you today.