Back to offenses

Driving Under the Influence

RCW: 46.61.502

Elements of the Crime & PC Checklist
Essential facts to establish probable cause.

Required Elements

  • The defendant drove a motor vehicle within this state;
  • While under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, any drug, or a combination of both; OR
  • While the person has, within two hours after driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher; OR
  • While the person has, within two hours after driving, a THC concentration of 5.00 or higher.

Probable Cause Checklist

  • Observation of driving (erratic, speeding, etc.)
  • Initial contact (odor of alcohol, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes)
  • Driver's statements (admission to drinking)
  • Voluntary performance on Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs)
  • Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test results
  • Walk and Turn test results
  • One Leg Stand test results
  • Portable Breath Test (PBT) result (if applicable)
  • Post-arrest breath or blood test result