Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests, (FST’s) or road side exercise are used by police officers to determine the presence of physical and mental impairment caused by a person while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Field sobriety testing consists of a series of routine movements designed to test a suspect's balance, coordination, reaction time and ability to follow directions.  As experienced DUI lawyers, we know, that these tests are not always very accurate and are often administered by police officers in a non-standardized format. In certain occasions the officer administering the test is unprepared, improperly trained, or unable to accurately evaluate the results.

These subjective test are generally used by police offices to make a preliminary determination if the individual is drunk driving and to decide if the suspect should be administered the blood or breath alcohol tests.  The following is a list of the most commonly used field sobriety test:

1. The Hand Pat Test (clapping palm and then backhand)
2. The Finger Count Test (thumb to finger, 1-2-3-4 and 4-3-2-1)
3. The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test (follow the stimulus with your eyes)
4. The Walk and Turn Test (9 steps each direction, on the line)
5. The One Leg Stand Test(raise one foot for 30 seconds)
6. The Rhomberg Test (close eyes, tilt back head and count to 30)
7. The Finger to Nose Test (close eyes, extend arms and touch nose with fingers)

• Unclear officer’s instructions
• Tiredness, low energy levels
• Anxiety and fear
• Physical injuries
• Intimidating language by officers
• Weight, age, illnesses
• The distraction of passing traffic and other people watching
• Weather conditions
• Road surface conditions
• Disabilities