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Can you be charged with a DUI without driving?
A friend met me at the beach and within five minutes of getting there, a police officer approached and cuffed him, saying that he was driving under the influence. He wasn’t even in his vehicle. Can someone get a DUI when they aren’t driving?
Mary Cahill · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear about this! The truth is you can be charged with a DUI without driving.
If a police officer has probable cause that you have been driving under the influence, they have legal grounds to arrest you. It’s even possible to be charged with a DUI days or weeks later if there’s evidence to prove you damaged property or caused an accident while intoxicated.
To be on the safe side, do not sit in the driver’s seat of your vehicle if you’ve been drinking, and definitely don’t put the keys in the ignition. An officer who witnesses you attempting to enter or leave the driver’s seat while you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs can take you into custody.
It is strongly recommended to hire an attorney if you’re facing a DUI charge. And if you’ve had a few cocktails, it’s best to avoid driving altogether. Walking, sleeping at a friend’s, or entrusting a designated driver are safer options if you plan on being in a situation where drinking is involved.
Another way to keep you safe on the road is getting an affordable
car insurance
policy that suits your needs. Jerry
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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