If a vehicle is stopped by the police because they suspect that the driver is drunk, the driver may be asked to perform a field sobriety test. The intent behind a field sobriety test is to see whether a driver can perform physical and mental tasks. If a driver was drunk during a field sobriety test, the police might spot signs of inebriation, such as stumbling, slurred speech or slow reaction times.
There are several types of field sobriety tests that a driver could be asked to perform during a traffic stop. Here is what you should know:
Standardized and non-standardized field sobriety tests
Three types of standardized tests are approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The police are typically trained to use these tests during traffic stops. These tests include:
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus test: Tests a driver’s eye movements by moving a finger or object in front of a driver’s face. Jerky movements can indicate inebriation.
- Walk-and-turn test: Tests a driver’s ability to follow directions by having them walk in a straight line. Stumbling or failure to follow instructions could mean that a driver is drunk.
- One-legged stand test: Tests a driver’s balance by having them lift up one leg for several seconds. Falling or placing their foot down may cause the police to believe that a driver is inebriated.
The police do not have to use any of these three tests. The police may ask a driver to perform a non-standard test to prove their sobriety. For example, a driver may be asked to touch their toes, count backward or repeat sentences back to the officer.
A police officer’s judgment of a field sobriety test may not be accurate. Drivers may need to learn about their legal defense options to protect their rights.