What must law enforcement officers observe to initiate a DWI arrest?

To initiate a DWI arrest, law enforcement officers must observe signs of driving impairment. This requirement is rooted in the need for a reasonable basis to suspect that a driver is unable to operate a vehicle safely due to alcohol or drug use. Signs of impairment can include erratic driving behavior, such as swerving, inconsistent speed, or difficulty maintaining lane position, which often indicates that the driver may be under the influence.

While other factors, such as the presence of alcohol containers or unusual driving speed, may raise suspicion, they are not definitive indicators of impairment on their own. Without observable impairment, an officer may not have adequate legal justification to conduct a traffic stop or a DWI arrest. Hence, the focus is primarily on the driver's behavior and driving ability, making signs of driving impairment the critical factor.