What you need to know about the field sobriety test

Police officers typically use a field sobriety test during routine drunk driving checks or if they suspect the driver is under the influence of alcohol. This is practically a physical and cognitive test that helps determine sobriety. Ideally, the test is administered to measure the driver’s balance, coordination, and ability to perform various physical tests that typically include one-legged standing, horizontal gaze nystagmus testing, as well as the walk and turn test. All these tests are structured to find out if the driver is intoxicated or not. A drunk driver will certainly have a hard time passing such tests, especially when he is too drunk to understand what the officer wants him to do.

For years, this type of breathalyzer test has been commonly used in many US states, as well as other countries, to find grounds for a DUI arrest. However, many are not convinced that it can be used as a reason to arrest someone, since the results generated are often not dependent. In fact, some people can pass the test even when intoxicated, while others can fail even if they’re not really drunk. The truth is, field sobriety exercises are not types of tests. They are more agility drills that are subjective in nature. This means that you can be arrested if the officer believes you have performed very poorly during field evaluations. Also, the evaluations made by the officer can be used as evidence for a DUI conviction.

What many people don’t know is that they have the right to refuse these tests. Most officers don’t actually inform the driver that they have a choice. Instead, they are made to feel that they are required to take the assessment test as part of a routine roadside check. So, the next time an officer stops you for a field sobriety test, remember that he can politely decline to take such a test; however, if he refuses the test, he can still be arrested.