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Field Sobriety Tests: What to Know 

Field sobriety tests are used by law enforcement and police officers in order to determine whether or not a person has been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They are used to measure both the driver’s physical and cognitive abilities in order to determine impairment and potentially charge the driver with a DUI. Field sobriety test results are one of the biggest pieces of evidence used in DUI accident cases, however they are not always 100% accurate. 

Even drivers who have not consumed any drugs or alcohol may sometimes fail these tests, while drivers who have consumed drugs or alcohol will pass them. It is important to understand different types of field sobriety tests in the event that you are asked to take one so you can be as prepared as possible.

Three Types of Field Sobriety Tests 

In general, there are three different types of field sobriety tests that law enforcement and police officers typically use. They are as follows: 

• The One-Leg Stand Test: In this test, the driver is asked to stand on one leg for a certain period of time while counting out loud. Officers will be looking for hopping, swaying, waving arms, and any other sign of imbalance during this specific test. 
• The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test: In this test, an officer will hold an object at eye-level and ask the driver to follow the object with their eyes. If there is eye-jerking or delay, it is seen as a sign of impairment. 
• The Straight Line Test: Also known as the Walk-and-Turn test, the driver is asked to walk in a straight l