Pop star Britney Spears was pulled over for driving erratically and speeding on U.S. 101 in California before her March arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to police records and dashboard camera footage reviewed by CBS News.
Background
Spears' encounter with California Highway Patrol began when officers observed her drifting between lanes on the highway. According to the investigation report, it took approximately 15 seconds for Spears to respond to commands to pull over. When she rolled down her window, the reporting officer noted "the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from" the vehicle.
Spears argued with police for about 10 minutes before eventually exiting her car, according to the report. Dashboard camera footage captured her telling officers she "did not like" being ordered out of the vehicle. At one point, she suggested they could come to her home instead.
"I'll make you food or lasagna, whatever you want. I have a pool," Spears can be heard saying in the footage. She later stated that she was "totally fine" and able to drive.
When she finally exited the vehicle, officers observed that Spears appeared visibly unsteady and exhibited "rapid and slurred" speech. The reporting officer noted she displayed "dramatic mood swings" during their interaction and occasionally spoke with a British accent.
The Investigation
According to the investigation report, Spears told officers she had consumed a mimosa approximately six hours earlier and denied feeling intoxicated. "I could probably drink four bottles of wine and take care of you. I'm an angel," she reportedly told the officer. She also disclosed that she had taken Lamictal, a medication used to treat bipolar disorder.
A search of her vehicle revealed a bottle of Adderall not prescribed to Spears and a wine glass in the front cupholder. Two Breathalyzer tests administered about an hour after the traffic stop showed blood alcohol levels of 0.06% and 0.05%, according to the report. Blood was drawn to test for drugs, though those results were not included in the report.
Spears was released from custody the morning following her arrest, according to inmate records reviewed by CBS News. She pleaded guilty earlier this month to a charge of reckless driving and was sentenced to 12 months probation without jail time. A representative for Spears called the incident "unfortunate" and "completely inexcusable."
Key Takeaways
- Spears was pulled over on March 4, 2026, after being observed drifting between lanes on U.S. 101 in California
- She refused to exit her vehicle for about 10 minutes, arguing with officers and offering to make them food instead
- Breathalyzer tests showed blood alcohol levels of 0.06% and 0.05%, both below the legal limit
- Police found an unprescribed bottle of Adderall in her vehicle
- She pleaded guilty to reckless driving and received 12 months probation
What's Next
Spears voluntarily entered rehab in April, a spokesperson told CBS Los Angeles. The case represents a continued struggle with substance use for the Grammy-nominated artist, who has been open about past challenges with mental health and conservatorship.
No further court dates have been scheduled as part of her probation agreement.