In Phase Two of a DWI detection, what must the officer determine?

In Phase Two of a DWI detection, the officer’s primary responsibility is to assess whether there is sufficient cause to instruct the driver to exit the vehicle for further investigation. This phase follows the initial contact with the driver and involves observing their behavior and any signs that may indicate impairment.

The officer looks for specific cues such as the driver’s physical condition, behavior, and responses to questions. If indications of impairment are noted, it justifies further investigation, which may include administering field sobriety tests. The goal is to ensure that the officer has legal grounds to proceed in assessing whether the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

While the validity of the driver's license or previous speeding behavior may play a role in the overall encounter, they are not the primary focus during this phase of DWI detection. The emphasis is strictly on determining the appropriateness of further engagement to assess potential impairment.