Will California DUI Offenders Soon Be Branded By a Scarlet Letter?
DUI penalties are always a hot topic. Recently, there is one area in particular receiving quite a bit of buzz.
Several states, including Ohio, Minnesota, and Iowa currently require DUI offenders to display unique license plates to draw attention to their convictions. These states believe this type of punishment not only serves as a DUI deterrent, but also signals law enforcement to pay particular attention to the driving patterns of the individuals driving these cars.
While this may, in fact, serve as a public deterrent, I can only imagine what the ACLU and other civil liberties organizations have to say about this…
It will be interesting to see which, and how many, other states will follow suit.
In any event, the best way to avoid this embarrassing (and possibly illegal) DUI penalty is obviously to avoid drinking and driving. That said, the next best alternative is to know the most useful tips to avoid a California DUI conviction.
If you have the misfortune of being stopped for a California DUI investigation, the most important things to remember are to remain calm and be polite.
While you will probably want to submit to a chemical test to determine your BAC if you are arrested, it is best to refuse any pre-arrest tests, such as the field sobriety tests or the hand-held breath testing instruments that officers frequently use in the field.
Not only are these tests completely voluntary…despite the fact that the officer may “forget” to mention that fact…they will rarely help you.
If you remember these tips on how to avoid a California DUI conviction (should you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being investigated for a DUI), that “special” license plate hopefully won’t find its way to your car.
