Holiday DUI traffic stops in Maryland move fast. Between checkpoint operations, late-night enforcement, and heavy holiday travel, officers often approach every stop expecting alcohol to be involved. That pressure can make drivers talk too much, guess at details, or try to explain themselves into safety. However, the words you choose during a DUI stop can shape what ends up in the police report, and that report often becomes a key piece of the case.
This guide covers what to say, what not to say, and how to protect yourself without escalating the encounter.
First, The Goal Is Simple
During a holiday DUI traffic stop, your job is to stay calm, be polite, and avoid creating extra evidence against yourself. You can cooperate with basic identification requests while keeping your answers short and controlled.
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What You Should Say During A Holiday DUI Stop
These phrases keep things respectful and clear without volunteering unnecessary details.
Use Polite, Neutral Responses
- I understand
- Yes, officer
- No, officer
- I will follow your instructions
Provide Basic Identification Information
- Here is my license, registration, and proof of insurance
- My current address is correct
- My name is spelled like this
Clarify Instructions When Needed
- Can you repeat that, please?
- Where would you like me to pull over?
- Are you asking me to step out of the vehicle?
Set Boundaries Without Arguing
- I prefer not to answer questions about my evening
- I am not comfortable guessing
- I would like to speak with an attorney before answering questions
That last line matters when the officer shifts from routine traffic questions to questions designed to build a DUI case.
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What You Should Not Say During A Holiday DUI Stop
Some statements feel harmless but often show up in reports as admissions or indicators of impairment.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- I only had two drinks
- I feel fine to drive
- I am a little buzzed but I am okay
- I was just trying to get home
- I did not realize I was speeding
- I do not know why I swerved
- I am exhausted, I have been up all day
- I do not want to get arrested, please give me a break
Two key problems happen with these statements. First, they confirm alcohol use. Second, they create a narrative that the officer can frame as impairment, even if you meant something else.
How Officers Use Your Words Against You
During holiday enforcement, officers often ask questions that sound casual but are designed to gather evidence. They may ask where you are coming from, what you had to drink, or how much you slept. They may also ask you to estimate your drink count, your timing, or your last meal.
If you answer loosely, the report can later include phrases like admitted drinking, slurred speech, confused timeline, or inconsistent answers. Even if you were sober, those report phrases can make the case harder.
How To Answer Questions About Where You Have Been
This is one of the most common questions after an officer smells alcohol or sees a holiday wristband, party clothes, or gift bags.
Better ways to handle it include:
- I am on my way home
- I would rather not discuss my evening
- I am not comfortable answering questions
You do not need to be rude. You just need to avoid turning small talk into evidence.
What To Do If Police Ask You To Perform Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests often feel mandatory because the officer is standing there with authority. However, these tests can be difficult even for sober people, especially in winter conditions and holiday traffic environments.
Field tests can go sideways because of:
- Uneven pavement or gravel shoulders
- Cold weather and stiff muscles
- Wind, glare, and flashing lights
- Footwear like boots or dress shoes
- Fatigue and anxiety
If you choose to participate, follow instructions carefully and do not try to over-explain. If you do not participate, stay calm and respectful. Either way, avoid arguing at the roadside.
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What To Do If The Officer Starts Asking Rapid Fire Questions
Officers may ask a string of questions to see if you stumble on words or contradict yourself. The safest approach is to slow it down.
Use phrases like:
- I am not sure, and I do not want to guess
- I would rather not answer questions
- I would like to speak with an attorney
Short, calm responses reduce the chance you create inconsistent statements that get labeled as impairment.
What To Do If You Feel Nervous Or Shaky
Many sober drivers look nervous during a stop, especially at night during the holidays. Unfortunately, officers sometimes describe nervous behavior as suspicious.
Instead of explaining anxiety in a long story, keep it simple:
- I am nervous because being pulled over is stressful
Then stop talking. Long explanations often create more confusion than clarity.
What Penalties Are At Stake In A Maryland DUI Or DWI Case?
Holiday stops can lead to serious consequences. Under Maryland’s listed penalties, a first offense DUI can carry up to 1 year in jail, a fine up to 1,000 dollars, and 12 points on your license. A first offense DWI can carry up to 60 days in jail, a fine up to 500 dollars, and 8 points on your license. Maryland also lists increased potential penalties when a minor is in the vehicle, including higher maximum jail time and higher fines.
Those penalties are exactly why it matters to control what you say during the stop. The wrong sentence can become the cornerstone of the state’s version of events.
Quick Holiday DUI Stop Script You Can Practice
If you want something easy to remember, use this structure.
- Yes, officer
- Here are my documents
- I am not comfortable answering questions about my evening
- I will follow your instructions
- I would like to speak with an attorney before answering questions
Polite, short, and consistent usually works best.
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Were You Stopped For DUI During The Holidays In Maryland? Get Guidance From Maronick Law
A holiday DUI traffic stop can feel like a blur, and it is easy to say too much in the moment. If you were stopped or arrested in Maryland, Maronick Law can evaluate what happened, explain the DUI and DWI penalties listed under Maryland law, and help you understand which next steps may protect your license and your future.
Call 443-551-2747 or use the online contact form to request a confidential consultation. We represent clients throughout Maryland, including Towson, Ocean City, Baltimore, and Annapolis.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.