---
title: "What is a DRE in a marijuana DUI case?"
description: "A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is a specially trained officer who runs a 12-step protocol to identify the category of drug causing impairment. The DRE evaluation includes pulse, blood pressure,..."
url: https://riduiguy.com/faq-items/what-is-a-dre-in-a-marijuana-dui-case/
date: 2026-05-23
modified: 2026-05-23
author: "The RI DUI Guy"
type: faq
lang: en
---

# What is a DRE in a marijuana DUI case?

A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is a specially trained officer who runs a 12-step protocol to identify the category of drug causing impairment. The DRE evaluation includes pulse, blood pressure, pupil size, muscle tone, and physical coordination tests. The protocol is technical and often scored incorrectly, opening defense angles.

What is a DRE in a marijuana DUI case?(https://riduiguy.com/author/riduiguy/)2026-05-23T11:15:21-04:00