Field Sobriety Tests: When Your License Depends on It

When Your License SOBRIETY ESTS DEPENDS ON IT DRIVERS LICENSE You know what Field Sobriety Tests are. Some of you may think you can beat them impaired. O What's the standard? O What is the officer looking for? O How do the tests work? What's the Procedure? DRIVER'S LICENSE If the officer suspects you have been drinking, he or she will ask you to exit the vehicle. The officer will ask you At this point, the officer will either ask you to perform a physical field sobriety test or a breathalyzer test. for your license and registration. TIP Do not exit your vehicle TIP TIP Remain calm, You can refuse have your driver's license and registra- tion ready, and keep your hands on the steering wheel." these tests, but it's a good idea to know your state laws and what penalties are associated with refusal. unless you are told to do so,1) The Field Tests Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) are simple tests of balance and coordination. 2l Developed in partnership of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Southern California Research Institute, the three tests are: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) 5I The officer will instruct you: Follow a stimulus (pen, flashlight, finger, etc.) with your eyes only. Do not move your head. They are looking for: 2 Fast, uncontrollable eye movements. Deviation in gaze. Walk-and-Turn (WAT) The officer will instruct you: Do not start until you are instructed. Align your left and right foot so your right heel is touching your left toe. Take nine heel Keep your hands by x9 to toe steps on the line. your side. 1,2,3.! Turn keeping one foot on the line. Return in nine heel to Count the steps toe steps. aloud. They are looking for O Inability to balance. STOP Stopping while walking. Starting too soon. Use of arms for Missing steps heel to toe. Deviation from the line. balance. O Improper turn. * Incorrect number of steps. One-Leg Stand (OLS) The officer will instruct you: Do not start until you are instructed Stand with heels together and arms at side. Raise one leg six inches off the ground in front of you. O Holding the position, count out loud until you are told to stop. They are looking for Putting a foot down. Use of arms for balance. Swaying. Hopping. In addition to SFSTS, there are two tests that officers may also use: Romberg Balance Test Finger-to-Nose Test O Tests balance and time perception. O Tests balance and coordination. The officer will instruct you: The officer will instruct you: Stand with heels together and arms at side. Stand with heels together and arms at side. Close your eyes. Close your eyes. O Tilt your head back. O Tilt your head back. O Hold for thirty seconds. O Touch nose with the tip of your right and left index finger. NOTE These tests are not apart of NHTSA's standards, so they often hold less weight in court. If the officer still suspects you of drunk driving, he or she may ask you to submit to a breathalyzer test and, most likely, place you under arrest. Sources Ttotal dui [1] http://drunkard.com/issues/o3-04/03-04-avoid-dui.htm [2] http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/alcohol/sfst/appendix_a.htm [3] http://www.drugdetection.net/PDF%20documents/SFST%20lnstructions%202006.pdf