People who are pulled over for the suspicion of drunk driving are often asked to take a field sobriety test, but some people don’t realize what this is. A field sobriety test is meant to help a police officer determine if a driver is impaired.
There are many different types of field sobriety tests, but only three are recognized as a comprehensive battery that’s accurate enough for an endorsement by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That battery of three tests is known as the standardized field sobriety test (SFST).
What tests are part of the SFST?
The SFST includes the walk-and-turn, horizontal gaze nystagmus and one-leg stand. These tests must be conducted in a specific manner and under the correct conditions.
The walk-and-turn requires the person to walk in a straight line heel-to-toe. Once the person gets to the end of the line, they must turn around and walk in the same manner back to the starting point.
The horizontal gaze nystagmus requires the person to follow an object with their eyes while keeping the head still. A person who’s impaired will have an involuntary jerking motion in the eye as they follow the object.
The one-leg stand requires the person to stand on one leg while lifting the other about six inches off the ground. The person should be able to hold this for a count of 30 seconds.
Can the results of the SFST be questioned?
The SFST is subjected to the interpretation of the officer administering the test. It’s possible to question the administration and interpretation of the SFST as part of a drunk driving defense strategy. This can be complex, so working with someone who’s familiar with these matters is beneficial for individuals who are facing those charges.