In a car crash or other incident involving multiple vehicles the police may investigate whether the driver of any of the vehicles is under the influence of or intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, and are not limited to investigating and arresting only the driver who was at fault in the accident, for example.
In Virginia, when a car crash or other incident involving multiple vehicles occurs, law enforcement officers have the authority to investigate all drivers involved for potential intoxication or impairment due to alcohol or drugs. This means that even if a driver is not at fault for the accident, they can still be subject to investigation and arrest if there is probable cause to believe they are under the influence. Virginia law enforcement officers follow state statutes and traffic laws that give them the right to conduct field sobriety tests, breathalyzer tests, or other chemical tests if they suspect a driver is impaired. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Virginia is 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over, and lower limits apply for commercial drivers and those under the age of 21. Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test can result in an automatic suspension of the driver's license. The investigation and arrest for DUI (driving under the influence) are not contingent upon the driver's role or fault in the accident.