Additional Coverage:
Pop Star Britney Spears Arrested for DUI in Ventura County
Ventura County, CA – Pop icon Britney Spears was arrested late Wednesday, March 4, on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after allegedly exhibiting erratic driving behavior on a Ventura County freeway. The singer, 44, was booked and subsequently released early Thursday morning.
According to a California Highway Patrol spokesperson, Spears was observed driving a black BMW 430i “erratically” and at high speeds before her arrest. Law enforcement officials suspect impairment from both alcohol and drugs, noting that Spears showed “signs of impairment and submitted to a series of field sobriety tests.”
She was taken into custody around 3 a.m. Thursday and released just after 6 a.m., as per inmate records from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
Spears’ Representative Calls Incident “Completely Inexcusable”
In a statement released Friday, a representative for Spears addressed the arrest, calling it an “unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable.” The representative expressed hope that this event would mark a turning point for the singer. “Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law, and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life,” the statement read.
Spears is scheduled for a court hearing on May 4. Her spokesperson further added, “Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.
Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being.”
This arrest follows five years after the termination of Spears’ conservatorship in November 2021, an arrangement overseen by her father, Jamie Spears, which began in 2008 following a highly publicized breakdown.
Recent Legal Encounters for Spears
In recent years, Spears has faced a number of legal issues. In the fall of 2023, she was reportedly pulled over twice by the California Highway Patrol for speeding and other traffic violations.
Bodycam footage from incidents on September 10 and October 6 showed Spears being stopped for speeding and for crossing double-yellow lines, respectively. During both stops, she reportedly did not have her driver’s license, stating it was at home with her security.
Additionally, in May 2024, police and paramedics were called to the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles following an incident involving Spears and her boyfriend. Spears reportedly left the hotel with security without further incident.