Britney Spears, 44, was arrested by California Highway Patrol in Ventura County for an alleged DUI after a traffic stop tied to reports of speeding and swerving. A police report reviewed May 21 says officers detected an odor of alcohol, noted red, watery eyes
A traffic stop in Ventura County lasted into the early hours, but the details that followed have now turned into a high-stakes showdown over what was in Britney Spears’ system and what officers believed they saw.
The 44-year-old Grammy-winning pop star was arrested for an alleged DUI after a California Highway Patrol officer pulled her over around 9 p.m. on March 4, following an anonymous tip that she was “traveling at high speeds and swerving” on the road. She was released shortly after the stop.
When Spears rolled down her window, the officer reported that he “detected a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage” coming from inside the car. The report says her “eyes were also red and watery,” with “pupils … dilated.”
The first standoff came when the officer asked Spears to exit the vehicle. She reportedly refused. telling him she had been “pranked and harassed in the past.” After about 10 minutes of speaking. Spears got out. and the officer said he smelled alcohol on her breath along with “rapid and slurred” speech and an unsteady gait.
In the police report. Spears acknowledged drinking—though she described it as a limited amount—and later brought up alcohol in a way that the officer recorded. She allegedly said she had consumed one mimosa after waking at 2 p.m. that day, adding that she felt “zero” effects. She then allegedly told the officer, “I could probably drink four bottles of wine and take care of you. I’m an angel.”.
A door to the case opened wider: the substances
After the initial observations, the report says Spears admitted that she took multiple prescription drugs on the day of the alleged DUI. The police report lists 200 mg of Lamictal, 40 mg of the antidepressant Prozac, and 2.5 mg of the stimulant Adderall.
As the officer investigated, the report states he found a bottle of Adderall pills “not prescribed to Spears” in her purse. It also says he found an empty wine glass in her car’s front cupholder.
The officer described Spears’ behavior in stark, shifting terms—moving from what he recorded as “confrontational and agitated” to “flamboyant and compliant.” The report also alleges that at times she “appeared to speak with a British accent.”
Then came the tests, and the delay attempt
During attempts to conduct a field sobriety test, Spears allegedly told the officer she no longer wanted to participate. She later took two breathalyzer tests, which resulted in blood alcohol concentration readings of .05 and .06—both below the .08 legal limit in California.
The officer also requested a Drug Recognition Evaluation, according to the report, which ultimately confirmed Spears was “under the influence” of a stimulant.
The report says the officer advised Spears she would be transported to a medical center for a blood draw. She allegedly said she needed to use the restroom “in an attempt to delay” the process. While she was in the restroom, the report states she “became argumentative and belligerent” and was placed in handcuffs.
The court outcome: guilty plea to reckless driving
The DUI charge did not end with a trial. Spears was charged with a DUI and ultimately pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of reckless driving during a May 4 hearing.
Under terms described by the Ventura County District Attorney in a news release, Spears received 12 months of summary probation. She was ordered to pay fines and fees and must complete a three-month first offender DUI program that spans 30 hours.
Probation conditions focused on treatment and restrictions
As part of probation, Spears is required to continue substance abuse and mental health treatment. She must also undergo chemical testing for alcohol and drugs while driving. refrain from operating a vehicle “with any intoxicant in her system. ” and agree to be searched for “alcohol and/or drugs in her vehicle.”.
A representative for Spears previously confirmed that she sought help after the arrest. On April 12, the representative told the outlet that Spears “voluntarily checked herself into a treatment facility.”
For anyone affected by substance abuse
If you or someone you know needs help battling a substance abuse addiction, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s National Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Britney Spears DUI arrest Ventura County California Highway Patrol Lamictal Prozac Adderall reckless driving probation breathalyzer Drug Recognition Evaluation