Being pulled over can be shocking, stressful, and overwhelming — especially if the officer suspects you of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our legal team at Combs Waterkotte is here to handle any DWI accusations, license consequences (including license points and suspensions), and criminal charges if you find yourself on the side of the road.
Knowing what to do in Missouri if you’re pulled over for a DWI is an important part of protecting your rights. A simple traffic stop can sometimes turn into a much bigger legal issue, depending on what happens next.
Here, we’ll go over a few of the do’s and don’ts of what you should and shouldn’t do in these situations. If you have any questions, or need legal support, you can always contact us online or give us a call at (314) 900-HELP for a free legal consultation.
Table of Contents
- I’ve Been Pulled Over — What Now?
- Why Would I Be Pulled Over for a DWI?
- What Should I Say (Or Not Say) If I’m Pulled Over?
- Field Sobriety Tests, Breathalyzers, and Your Rights
- Can Police Search My Car?
- Why Combs Waterkotte?
Most people don’t plan to get pulled over. But when it happens — whether it’s a routine stop or something more serious — what you say and do in those first few minutes can have real legal consequences. Many drivers aren’t sure what they’re legally required to do, what rights they have, or how easily a simple traffic stop can escalate into criminal charges. Our team at Combs Waterkotte has represented clients in a wide range of traffic stop cases, from DWIs and drug possession to more serious felony charges. We know how these cases play out in Missouri courtrooms — and we know how important it is to get qualified legal help quickly if your stop results in an arrest or investigation.
I’ve Been Pulled Over — What Now?
Don’t panic. If you’re pulled over and the officer suspects you may be under the influence, what you do in the next few minutes can make a major difference — we’ll break it down step-by-step below:
- Pull over to the shoulder or a safe location.
- Shift to park and turn on your hazards.
- Turn off your vehicle (battery mode).
- Keep your hands visible at all times.
- Provide license, registration, and insurance information.
- Be respectful, don’t argue, don’t escalate.
- Politely decline any searches and seizures.
- Stay calm. If arrested, ask for a lawyer and don’t say anything.
Guilty, innocent, or somewhere in between, it’s important for us at Combs Waterkotte to make sure that your rights are protected.
If you are pulled over, don’t assume that the stop is for DWI suspicion. It could be for speeding, erratic driving, expired plates, a broken blinker, or any other number of reasons.
Why Would I Be Pulled Over for a DWI?
Most DWI investigations in Missouri begin with a simple traffic stop. In many cases, the officer wasn’t initially pulling you over for drunk driving — they may have stopped you for a minor traffic violation, equipment issue, or unusual driving behavior. Once you’re stopped, the officer may observe signs of impairment and begin a DWI investigation.
Some of the most common reasons drivers get pulled over before a DWI arrest include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failure to maintain your lane (weaving or swerving)
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failure to yield
- Equipment violations (broken taillights, headlights, or signals)
- Expired registration or license plate issues
- Outstanding warrants or license suspensions
Even minor traffic violations can quickly escalate if the officer believes there’s probable cause to investigate you for DWI based on the way you’re driving, how you speak, your physical appearance, or any odor of alcohol or drugs.
What Should I Say (Or Not Say) If I’m Pulled Over?
When you’re pulled over, you’re required to provide your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Beyond that, you’re under no legal obligation to answer any additional questions. The officer may ask things like:
- “Do you know why I pulled you over?”
- “Where are you coming from?”
- “Have you had anything to drink tonight?”
- “Are you under the influence of any drugs?”
- “Is there anything in the car I should know about?”
In these situations, it’s best to remain calm and politely decline to answer. You can say something like, “I’d prefer not to answer any questions without my attorney.” What you say — or don’t say — during a stop can have a major impact on your case. Why remaining silent is so important and your right.
Field Sobriety Tests, Breathalyzers, and Your Rights
Once an officer suspects you may be impaired, they may ask you to perform field sobriety tests, take a breath test, or submit to a blood draw. Each type of test carries different consequences under Missouri law. We cover these in detail in our DWI & DUI Legal Guide and in Blow or Not Blow.
In general:
- You may refuse field sobriety tests (walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, etc.)
- Refusing the official breath test at the station will trigger an automatic license suspension under Missouri’s implied consent law.
- Blood tests typically require a warrant but can sometimes proceed under certain circumstances.
If you’re facing a DWI arrest, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately to protect your rights and preserve your defense options.
Can Police Search My Car?
In most cases, police need either your consent, a warrant, or probable cause to search your vehicle. You have the right to say no if asked for permission to search. Politely state: “I do not consent to any searches.”
Probable cause can include things like the smell of drugs or alcohol, visible contraband, or other evidence in plain view. If officers believe they have probable cause, they may search your vehicle without consent. Never argue or resist — stay calm, document what happened, and contact your attorney as soon as possible.
If you know there’s nothing illegal or suspicious in your vehicle, the officer may not be looking for hidden contraband — but they may be watching your behavior for signs of intoxication, nervousness, or impairment. Even routine stops can turn into DUI or drug investigations based on how the driver responds to basic questions or instructions.
Why Combs Waterkotte?
Learn more about what to do if you’re arrested for a DWI in Missouri in our article about “Top 10 DWI Questions”. At the end of the day, it’s important to stay calm, contact a criminal defense attorney, and know your options.
Our defense team has helped protect the rights of drivers facing DWI charges, traffic offenses, and serious criminal accusations throughout St. Louis, Missouri, Kansas City, and Illinois. We’re here to help you through the legal process and make sure you’re getting the legal representation you deserve. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP for free legal guidance and to learn more about what to do if you’re pulled over.
