What are the 3 Field Sobriety Tests?
Field sobriety tests are a series of physical and mental exercises used by law enforcement officers to determine if a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These tests are designed to assess a person’s coordination, balance, and mental acuity. The three most commonly used field sobriety tests are the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk and Turn, and One-Leg Stand. Understanding these tests can help individuals become more aware of their rights and how to handle sobriety tests if they are ever pulled over by police.
1. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test is designed to detect involuntary eye movements that occur when a person is impaired by alcohol or drugs. During this test, the officer asks the suspect to follow a moving object, such as a pen or finger, with their eyes. The officer looks for three specific clues that indicate impairment:
– Lack of smooth pursuit: The eyes may jerk or bounce back and forth instead of smoothly following the object.
– Distorted or fixed gaze: The eyes may not be able to maintain a steady gaze on the object.
– Onset of nystagmus before 45 degrees: The eyes may begin to show nystagmus, or involuntary eye movements, before the eyes are 45 degrees from the center of the person’s gaze.
If the suspect exhibits any of these clues, it may indicate that they are impaired and could be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).
2. Walk and Turn
The Walk and Turn test is designed to assess a person’s balance and coordination while walking. During this test, the officer asks the suspect to take nine steps in a straight line, heel-to-toe, while counting out loud. After completing the nine steps, the suspect must turn around and return to the starting point in the same manner. The officer looks for the following clues that indicate impairment:
– Taking the wrong number of steps: The suspect may take fewer or more than nine steps.
– Starting too soon: The suspect may begin walking before the officer gives the signal to start.
– Improper balance: The suspect may use their arms to maintain balance or take an unsteady gait.
– Stepping off the line: The suspect may step off the line while walking or turning.
If the suspect exhibits any of these clues, it may indicate that they are impaired and could be arrested for DUI.
3. One-Leg Stand
The One-Leg Stand test is designed to assess a person’s balance and ability to maintain focus while standing on one leg. During this test, the officer asks the suspect to stand on one foot with the other foot raised six inches off the ground. The suspect must count out loud from 30 to 180 seconds while maintaining balance. The officer looks for the following clues that indicate impairment:
– Using arms for balance: The suspect may use their arms to maintain balance.
– Hopping: The suspect may hop to maintain balance.
– Pivoting: The suspect may pivot their feet instead of turning around to return to the starting position.
If the suspect exhibits any of these clues, it may indicate that they are impaired and could be arrested for DUI.
In conclusion, the three field sobriety tests—Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One-Leg Stand—are used by law enforcement to determine if a driver is impaired. Understanding these tests can help individuals be more prepared and aware of their rights if they are ever subjected to a sobriety test. If you are ever pulled over and asked to perform these tests, it is important to know that you have the right to refuse. However, refusal may lead to additional consequences, so it is crucial to weigh the risks and consult with an attorney if necessary.
