It is certainly true that you can get a DUI charge if you have been drinking alcohol, if you demonstrate impairment or if you are over the legal limit. The majority of drunk driving arrests do revolve around alcohol use, and this is typically the first thing that people think of.
But it is not the only way to get a DUI. Any type of impairment can trigger these charges. Alcohol may not be involved at all.
Prescription medications
For one thing, if you are taking any type of prescription medication — and even some over-the-counter medications — you need to read the warning labels carefully. If they say not to operate heavy machinery, that means that you should not drive your car. You may not have had any alcohol, but if you are impaired by the medicine, the officer can still arrest you for being unsafe.
Other types of substances
You also have to consider the impact other substances may have on your driving abilities. For instance, maybe you have used marijuana during the day. It is not going to show up on a breath test, but the officer still may certainly see evidence of impairment and evidence that you have been using marijuana products — the smell of marijuana in the car, bloodshot eyes, issues with focus and attention, etc. Even without a BAC reading, you can be arrested for impaired driving.
At the end of the day, it is just important for people to understand that DUI charges have many potential causes. Those who are facing arrest must know about all of their legal defense options.