Law enforcement officials use field sobriety tests (FSTs), which are standardized assessments, to determine if a driver has been impaired by drugs or alcohol during a traffic encounter. These tests aim to help law enforcement in deciding whether there is sufficient information to support an arrest for driving while intoxicated (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI). If you get into such a situation, you should never speak with the personnel without contacting the dwi attorney. 

What You Need To Know About Field Sobriety Tests

Law enforcement officials can assess a driver’s mental and physical abilities through field sobriety tests. These tests are typically carried out at the location of a traffic stop to help law enforcement determine if there is a reasonable possibility that the driver has been impacted by drugs or alcohol.

Common Types of Field Sobriety Tests

Although there are many other kinds of sobriety tests law enforcement agencies are known to use, there are only three standardized ones:

It is important to keep in mind that FSTs are not required; thus, refusing to take part in them will not result in legal consequences. Even so, it’s essential to know your rights during a traffic stop because police may not always tell you about them.

  • Walk-and-Turn Test:

The walk-and-run test is performed to determine your ability to maintain balance and adhere to instructions, both abilities that might be affected by an impairment.

Process: You will be instructed to count the steps loudly while you do heel-to-toe steps nine times in a linear form, turn around, and then do heel-to-toe steps nine times back. The officer will keep a watch out for particular indications of impairment, such as losing balance or being unable to keep heel-to-toe contact.

Interpretation: It may be deemed evidence of disability if the test fails to finish as instructed. However, a number of things, such as nervousness or health issues, affect how well you perform.

  • One-leg stand:

The one-leg stand exam is intended to assess your balance and ability to obey instructions while balancing on one leg.

Process: One leg should be lifted about six inches above the ground, while the other foot should remain parallel to the ground. After that, you will count out loud while keeping your balance for a particular period.

Interpretation: You might be declared impaired if you begin shifting or hopping before the time that is indicated. But nerves or medical conditions influence how well you perform.