What is 'implied consent' and what does it mean for drivers?

IMPLIED CONSENT LAW: In all 50 states, a driver who operates a motor vehicle on public roads has implicitly consented to chemical testing for alcohol or drugs as a condition of having a licence. WHAT THIS MEANS IN PRACTICE: If a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe you are driving under the influence, they can request a breath, blood, or urine test; REFUSAL CONSEQUENCES: In all states, refusing the test results in AUTOMATIC licence suspension (often 6-12 months for first refusal) that is separate from and additional to any DUI penalties; a refusal can also be used as evidence against you in court; BREATHALYSER vs BLOOD TEST: You can sometimes choose which test you submit to (laws vary by state); some states allow refusal of one but not the other. STRATEGY: Refusing a test does not help you escape DUI consequences — it adds separate administrative penalties on top of whatever happens with the DUI charge.