ABA Family Legal Guide

Automobiles

Your Automobile and the Police

Drunk Driving

May I change my mind after declining to take a blood-alcohol or breath test?

You have no right to change your mind once you have refused a blood test. Even if you subsequently have a change of heart and agree to a test, your license can still be suspended on the basis that you initially refused the test. It is a good idea to call a lawyer while you are thinking over a decision, if the police allow you to do so. However, in most states you will have to decide whether to submit to the test fairly soon after being asked to do so.