Being pulled over at a roadblock or during a drinking and driving investigation can be nerve-wracking. Police officers in British Columbia are trained to look for specific behaviours that might indicate a driver has been drinking. In many cases, the behaviour is perfectly innocent. Often people find themselves under significant police scrutiny for what is otherwise innocent behaviour because police are trained to think everyone is hiding something.
Here are five behaviours that can make the police suspicious during such situations.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is one of the behaviors that can raise police suspicion. Officers are trained to believe that people who chew gum are trying to mask the odour of alcohol on their breath. While chewing gum is common and sold in stores everywhere, doing so during a traffic stop can make the police think you are hiding something. If you get pulled over and are chewing gum, officers will probably assume you’ve been drinking.
Smoking or Vaping
Another behaviour that can arouse suspicion is smoking or vaping. Police officers often think that smoking or vaping is an attempt to conceal the smell of alcohol. Despite the fact that many people smoke or vape due to addiction, doing so during a traffic stop can make the police suspicious. They often interpret this behaviour as an effort to hide evidence of drinking and driving.
Using Cologne or Perfume
Wearing strong cologne or perfume can also make police officers suspicious. If your vehicle smells strongly of these scents, police think you are trying to cover up the smell of alcohol. Even if you enjoy wearing cologne or perfume for social reasons, a strong scent during a traffic stop can lead officers to believe you are hiding something. This could result in further scrutiny.
Fumbling Inside the Car
Fumbling around inside your car as you approach a roadblock is another behavior that can raise red flags. Police officers are trained to watch for this because they might think you are hiding something. Whether you are searching through your cup holder or rummaging around in your car, the police could interpret this as an attempt to conceal drugs, weapons, or alcohol. This behaviour can increase their suspicion and lead to a more thorough investigation.
Visible Liquor Containers
Having visible liquor containers in your car, even if they are empty, can also make police officers suspicious. While you might be a responsible citizen planning to recycle these empties, the police might assume you have been drinking. Visible liquor containers can prompt officers to believe the alcohol in those containers is now in your body, leading them to ask for a breath test.
Innocent Behaviour That Makes You Look Guilty
It seems ridiculous to assume that drivers who chew gum, smoke, vape, use cologne or rummage around for something during a traffic stop are all out to hide evidence of drinking, but police officers in B.C. make this assumption leading to increased police scrutiny. Being aware of how these behaviors are perceived can help you navigate these situations more smoothly.
If you were investigated for a drinking driving offence in British Columbia, send me an email right away. I defend all drinking-driving allegations in BC, wrote the textbook on Immediate Roadside Prohibition cases and I’d be happy to help you with your case. Send me an email or call my office at 604-685-8889.
