Refusal to submit to chemical testing during a traffic stop, specifically a breathalyzer test, can lead to immediate legal consequences. These consequences generally involve administrative penalties imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles or a similar state agency. For example, a driver who declines to take a breathalyzer test may face immediate suspension of their driver’s license.
The importance of understanding the ramifications of declining such a test stems from implied consent laws present in most jurisdictions. These laws stipulate that by operating a motor vehicle on public roads, a driver implicitly agrees to submit to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for driving under the influence. Historically, these laws were enacted to streamline the process of obtaining evidence in DUI cases and deter impaired driving.
