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Do they drug test for reckless driving?
I was debating with a friend about whether law enforcement has the right to drug test you if you’re pulled over for reckless driving. Can a police officer make you take a drug test for reckless driving?
Eric Gilley · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Law enforcement may drug test for reckless driving, but only if the officer suspects you’re driving under the influence of a narcotic.
Breathalyzers do not detect whether a driver is under the influence of drugs—regardless of whether they’re legal or not. Therefore, a drug test may be the only way the arresting officer can determine whether you’re intoxicated.
If you’re pulled over for reckless driving, a police officer can ask you to take a field sobriety test if he or she suspects you’re under the influence of drugs. If you fail the field sobriety test, most notably the rapid eye test, you can be arrested under suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
While reckless driving isn’t a mandatory arrest—at least on your first infraction—suspicion of driving under the influence is an arrestable offense. Once you get to the police station, law enforcement will likely require you to take a blood test to determine the level of narcotics or drugs in your system. Coupled with the testimony of the arresting officer, this could lead to convictions for both reckless driving and driving while intoxicated.
However, you’re welcome to refuse the test per your legal rights. In most states, this results in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license pending the outcome of your trial. Regardless of whether you decide to submit to a drug test, it’s usually best to hire a lawyer that specializes in reckless driving, DUI/DWI, and other traffic cases.
Even if you’re not convicted of driving while intoxicated, a reckless driving charge will result in an increase in your
car insurance
rates and the possible suspension of your license. Depending on how fast you were going or what you were doing, you may also face a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.If you’re convicted of reckless driving, make sure to take any classes required by the court and stay out of trouble for the probationary period, which usually lasts one to two years.
In the meantime, you may want to shop around for car insurance with the
Jerry
app, especially if your rates rise with your current insurance company. As a licensed broker, Jerry helps you find and compare quotes from over 50 top providers in minutes. When you find a better rate, Jerry can help you buy your new coverage and even cancel your old policy.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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