In phase one of a DUI contact, what does the officer observe?

In phase one of a DUI contact, the officer's primary focus is to observe the driver's operation of the vehicle and the manner in which the vehicle comes to a stop. This phase occurs during the initial interaction when the officer first sees the vehicle in motion. Observations made here can include erratic driving patterns, speeding, sudden stops, or a failure to obey traffic signals, all of which may indicate impairment.

This observation is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire DUI investigation. The officer analyzes behavior such as swerving, weaving, or any other driving habits that suggest the driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Other aspects, such as checking the driver's license, the environment around the vehicle, or the behavior of passengers, while potentially relevant in other phases of the contact, are not the primary focus during the initial phase where the goal is to assess how the driver is operating the vehicle itself. This methodical approach allows the officer to gather essential evidence that may be pivotal in determining whether further investigation or actions are warranted.