Newly released dashcam footage is putting one of Britney Spears’ darkest recent moments back in the spotlight. The pop icon’s March DUI arrest is making headlines again after police video surfaced showing Spears undergoing a roadside sobriety test before ultimately being placed in handcuffs. The footage, which comes just weeks after the singer pleaded guilty to DUI, offers a startling glimpse into the chaotic traffic stop that unfolded on a California highway and reveals new details from officers who claimed the singer appeared impaired.
The newly released dashcam video captures what authorities say was the aftermath of Spears allegedly driving erratically at high speeds on the southbound side of US-101 near Newbury Park, California, on March 4 around 9 p.m. In the footage, Spears, wearing what police described as a “worn green dress,” sandals, and a large fedora hat, is seen standing roadside as an officer shines a flashlight into her eyes during a sobriety test.
According to a police report, Spears allegedly struggled to complete portions of the field test and repeatedly moved her head after officers instructed her to keep it still. Also, per the report, Spears said she was not feeling well and expressed discomfort during the roadside evaluation.
“Spears related the lights were hurting her head and did not want to continue the test. Spears was unable or unwilling to follow my finger throughout the test,” the report stated. “Spears continued to move her head throughout the test after being instructed to keep her head still. Spears related that she was blind in her left eye, but was able to see my finger.”
Officers Claim Spears Admitted To Taking Prescription Medications Before Driving
According to the California Highway Patrol, Spears was arrested on “suspicion of driving under the influence of a combination of alcohol and drugs.” A police report later revealed the singer allegedly admitted to taking multiple prescription medications before getting behind the wheel, including Adderall and Prozac.
Authorities claimed officers detected “a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage” coming from Spears’ BMW after pulling her over. Spears allegedly told police she had consumed “one champagne mimosa” earlier in the day and had taken medication, including Lamictal, Prozac, and Adderall.
Per the report, officers also allegedly discovered a bottle of pills labeled Adderall in Spears’ purse that they claimed was not prescribed to her, along with an empty wine glass inside the vehicle. At one point during the interaction, Spears allegedly told an officer: “I could probably drink four bottles of wine and take care of you, I’m an angel.”
Britney Spears Was Eventually Handcuffed After Allegedly Refusing To Exit Her Car
The footage also reportedly shows Spears being handcuffed after what officers described as a lengthy roadside interaction. According to the report, Spears initially refused to exit her vehicle, allegedly telling officers she had “been pranked and harassed in the past” and wanted to speak to a lawyer.
Police claimed Spears remained inside the car for roughly 10 minutes before eventually stepping out. “[The officer] instructed Spears to exit the [car], but she initially refused. Spears related she had been pranked and harassed in the past and did not want to exit.”
After she was placed in handcuffs, Spears is reportedly heard asking officers if they had taken her phone, with police assuring her it remained in her purse. Authorities further alleged the singer displayed “drastic mood swings” throughout the arrest and at times appeared confrontational before becoming more animated.
The Singer Later Pleaded Guilty And Entered Rehab
Earlier this month, Spears pleaded guilty to a DUI charge tied to the March arrest and was sentenced to 12 months’ probation. Following the incident, the singer reportedly checked into a substance abuse rehab facility for three weeks.
At the time, a representative for Spears addressed the arrest in a statement to the Daily Mail. “This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” they said. “Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law, and hopefully this can be the first step in the long-overdue changes that need to occur in her life.”
“Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time,” they added. “Her boys are going to be spending time with her, and her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue plan to set her up for success and well-being.”
Britney Spears’ Latest Headlines Add To Ongoing Concerns
The resurfaced footage comes amid continued concern surrounding Spears, who has faced very public personal struggles over the years following her highly scrutinized conservatorship, which ended in November 2021.
Most recently, Spears reportedly made headlines again after allegedly causing a chaotic scene at a Los Angeles restaurant just days after leaving rehab. However, her representative pushed back on the claims, saying, “This is completely blown out of proportion.”