Evidence of DUI is largely what in nature?

In the context of DUI investigations, evidence is largely sensory in nature. This means that law enforcement officers rely on their senses—sight, hearing, smell, and touch—to gather information during a DUI stop and subsequent investigation. For instance, officers observe behaviors such as swerving, erratic driving, or difficulty in operating a vehicle, which are all visual cues that may indicate impairment. They also may smell the odor of alcohol or drugs, which is an olfactory clue. Additionally, touch might play a role in field sobriety tests where coordination and balance are assessed.

The choice of sensory evidence is significant because it aligns closely with the foundation of standardized field sobriety testing (SFST), which employs various tests developed to evaluate physical and cognitive impairment based on observable behavior and physical reactions. While written documentation and digital evidence (such as breathalyzer results or dashcam footage) do play roles in DUI cases, the immediate, real-time observations collected through sensory input are critical for establishing probable cause during traffic stops. This makes sensory evidence a foundational aspect of DUI enforcement and investigation.