Newly released police records and dashboard camera footage show pop star Britney Spears arguing with California Highway Patrol officers for about 10 minutes before getting out of her car the night of her March DUI arrest. She told them she was fine. She suggested they come home with her instead.
The footage and the investigation report, both obtained and reviewed by CBS News, fill in detail that had not previously been public about the traffic stop that ended with Spears being booked on suspicion of driving while drinking and using drugs.
Two Breathalyzer readings came in below the legal limit, but other things officers documented at the scene, including what was in the car, what she said, and how she behaved. It added up to being enough to arrest the pop star.
Spears resolved the case earlier this month with a reduced charge, no jail, and a year of probation, and has voluntarily entered rehab. But there are still questions about her bizarre behavior during the police encounter. Fans have speculated about what could be plaguing the singer following her lengthy court battles working to escape her conservatorship.
What Happened on U.S. 101
Spears had been drifting between lanes on U.S. 101 in California on the night of March 4, 2026. California Highway Patrol officers eventually took note and pulled her over.
It took her about 15 seconds to respond to commands to stop before she actually slowed her vehicle. Officers noted a distinct odor of alcohol from the vehicle when she rolled down her window.
Spears argued with officers for roughly 10 minutes before stepping out, citing traffic on the highway as a reason not to leave the car. When the officers offered to relocate her, she refused and proposed instead that they come to her house, telling them she could make them food, including lasagna, and noting she had a pool. She also told them she was totally fine to drive.
Spears’ Bizarre Behavior
When Spears exited, she appeared unsteady and her speech was rapid and slurred. The officer noticed dramatic mood swings and noted that she at times slipped into a British accent. That’s not actually unusual for Spears, who’s been known to do that in the past. But it was certainly odd for this situation.
Spears said she had had a mimosa about six hours earlier and could drink four bottles of wine and still take care of them, and said she had taken Lamictal, a medication used to treat bipolar disorder. A search of the car turned up a bottle of Adderall not prescribed to her and a wine glass in the front cupholder.
Two Breathalyzer tests about an hour after the stop returned blood-alcohol readings of 0.06 percent and 0.05 percent, both below California’s 0.08 percent legal limit. Blood was also drawn for drug testing; those results were not in the report. Spears was released the morning after her arrest.
A representative later told CBS News the incident had been “unfortunate and inexcusable”. Earlier this month, Spears pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving and was sentenced to 12 months of probation. She voluntarily checked into rehab in April.