Traffic Law Enforcement Flashcards

What are the Walk-and-Turn (WAT) test clues indicating impairment, per NHTSA standards used in Florida DUI investigations?

Answer: 8 possible clues — including cannot balance during instructions, starts too soon, stops while walking, misses heel-to-toe, steps off line, uses arms for balance, improper turn, and wrong number of steps

NHTSA's WAT test has 8 possible clues. Two or more clues indicate a 68% probability that the subject's BAC is 0.08 or higher.

When may a Florida officer conduct a sobriety checkpoint (DUI roadblock)?

Answer: Only when conducted under a written plan established by supervisory personnel, with neutral stop criteria and advance public notice

Florida courts have upheld DUI checkpoints when conducted under supervisory-established written plans with neutral (non-discretionary) stop procedures and reasonable advance public notice.

Under Florida Statute §322.34, what are the penalties for driving with a suspended license?

Answer: Driving while license is suspended (DWLS) is a criminal offense — misdemeanor for first and second offense, third-degree felony for habitual offenders

DWLS in Florida is a criminal offense: first and second convictions are second-degree misdemeanors; habitual traffic offender status (3+ convictions within 5 years) escalates to a third-degree felony.

What are the legal requirements for a Florida officer to arrest a driver for reckless driving under F.S. §316.192?

Answer: The officer must have probable cause that the driver operated a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property

Reckless driving requires probable cause that the driver operated a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for safety — speed alone is not required, though it can contribute to the totality of circumstances.

Under Florida law, what is the proper procedure when an officer stops a vehicle and the driver is found to have an outstanding warrant?

Answer: The officer should verify the warrant through dispatch, arrest the subject if the warrant is confirmed active, and follow procedures for the warrant's jurisdiction

When a warrant is discovered during a traffic stop, the officer verifies it through dispatch and, if confirmed active, arrests the subject regardless of the issuing jurisdiction, then follows proper transfer procedures.

What does Florida's 'basic speed law' (F.S. §316.183) require of drivers beyond just following posted speed limits?

Answer: Drivers must operate at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions, even if below the posted limit

Florida's basic speed law requires drivers to travel at a speed that is reasonable and prudent considering existing road, weather, and traffic conditions — a driver can be cited for unsafe speed even below the posted limit.