- posted: Dec. 25, 2025
In the United States, “equal justice under law” is a founding principle, but we know that authorities sometimes do not live up to this ideal. On the roads, police profiling of individuals from specific ethnic and racial groups have led to numerous lawsuits in New Jersey and elsewhere. Other types of profiling might also affect whether a law enforcement offer pulls a vehicle over on suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated. A recent study looked at what types of cars and trucks are most likely to be owned by someone with a drunk driving conviction.
People might assume that the data collected by Insurify would indicate that flashy vehicles, such as high-performance sports cars, would be associated with a propensity for impaired driving. Actually, it seems the opposite is true. Many models appearing in the top 10 are everyday minivans and SUVs. The two models most associated in the study with owners who have past DWI convictions were both Buick crossovers. According to records, approximately 72 out of 1,000 owners of the Envista have a DWI on their record. The Encore comes in second with 58, and the larger Buick Enclave is also in the top 10.
Other models on the list include Chevrolet’s Bolt, Astro and Blazer, as well the Ford Bronco and Chrysler Pacifica. While there’s no proven explanation as to why these family-oriented vehicles are linked to owners convicted of drunk driving, there are some theories. Family vehicles are often used for longer commutes, late-night errands, or weekend travel—times when DWI enforcement is most active. Moreover, suburban and exurban areas with higher SUV ownership may also have more roadway DWI patrols, checkpoints and alcohol-serving establishments accessible by car.
Under constitutional standards, police cannot stop a vehicle based on model alone; officers need reasonable, articulable suspicion of unlawful activity. However, a perceived association between certain vehicles and DWI histories could invite closer scrutiny, more frequent plate checks, or pretextual stops when minor violations are observed.
Should you get stopped, whatever the supposed reason, any evidence collected might be excluded in a prosecution against you if the officer lacks proper legal grounds. Remember anything the police say to you regarding why they pulled your vehicle over. Should you be given a field sobriety test, remember what instructions you were given and how you performed in case the police report contains misleading information.
The Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell in New Brunswick can evaluate the legality your DWI stop and request body-camera footage and other evidence to determine if evidence can be suppressed. Our firm provides exceptional representation to New Jersey clients accused of during driving and other criminal offenses. For a free consultation about your legal rights, please call 908-768-3837 or contact me online.
- posted: Dec. 25, 2025
In the United States, “equal justice under law” is a founding principle, but we know that authorities sometimes do not live up to this ideal. On the roads, police profiling of individuals from specific ethnic and racial groups have led to numerous lawsuits in New Jersey and elsewhere. Other types of profiling might also affect whether a law enforcement offer pulls a vehicle over on suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated. A recent study looked at what types of cars and trucks are most likely to be owned by someone with a drunk driving conviction.
People might assume that the data collected by Insurify would indicate that flashy vehicles, such as high-performance sports cars, would be associated with a propensity for impaired driving. Actually, it seems the opposite is true. Many models appearing in the top 10 are everyday minivans and SUVs. The two models most associated in the study with owners who have past DWI convictions were both Buick crossovers. According to records, approximately 72 out of 1,000 owners of the Envista have a DWI on their record. The Encore comes in second with 58, and the larger Buick Enclave is also in the top 10.
Other models on the list include Chevrolet’s Bolt, Astro and Blazer, as well the Ford Bronco and Chrysler Pacifica. While there’s no proven explanation as to why these family-oriented vehicles are linked to owners convicted of drunk driving, there are some theories. Family vehicles are often used for longer commutes, late-night errands, or weekend travel—times when DWI enforcement is most active. Moreover, suburban and exurban areas with higher SUV ownership may also have more roadway DWI patrols, checkpoints and alcohol-serving establishments accessible by car.
Under constitutional standards, police cannot stop a vehicle based on model alone; officers need reasonable, articulable suspicion of unlawful activity. However, a perceived association between certain vehicles and DWI histories could invite closer scrutiny, more frequent plate checks, or pretextual stops when minor violations are observed.
Should you get stopped, whatever the supposed reason, any evidence collected might be excluded in a prosecution against you if the officer lacks proper legal grounds. Remember anything the police say to you regarding why they pulled your vehicle over. Should you be given a field sobriety test, remember what instructions you were given and how you performed in case the police report contains misleading information.
The Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell in New Brunswick can evaluate the legality your DWI stop and request body-camera footage and other evidence to determine if evidence can be suppressed. Our firm provides exceptional representation to New Jersey clients accused of during driving and other criminal offenses. For a free consultation about your legal rights, please call 908-768-3837 or contact me online.
