Legal Definitions - field sobriety test

A field sobriety test is a series of physical and mental exercises that a law enforcement officer may ask a driver to perform during a traffic stop. These tests are designed to help the officer assess whether the driver's balance, coordination, attention, and ability to follow instructions are impaired, which could indicate that they are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The results of these tests assist officers in deciding whether further investigation, such as an arrest or a chemical test, is warranted.

• Example 1: Counting Backwards

  An officer pulls over a driver for erratic lane changes. After observing signs of impairment, the officer asks the driver to stand by the roadside and count backward from 80 to 65 without skipping any numbers.

  This task assesses the driver's ability to concentrate, remember instructions, and perform a mental task accurately under pressure. Difficulty in counting correctly, slurred speech, or noticeable swaying during the task would suggest impaired mental and physical faculties, illustrating the purpose of a field sobriety test.

• Example 2: Retrieving a Small Object

  During a late-night traffic stop, an officer observes a driver fumbling with their license and registration. The officer then places a small coin on the ground near the driver's feet and asks them to pick it up.

  This test evaluates the driver's balance, coordination, and fine motor skills. If the driver struggles to bend down without losing balance, overshoots the coin, or has difficulty grasping it, it could indicate impairment affecting their physical control and perception, which is what a field sobriety test aims to reveal.

• Example 3: Standing with Feet Together and Eyes Closed

  A driver is stopped for speeding, and the officer notices their eyes are bloodshot and their speech is slightly slurred. The officer instructs the driver to stand with their feet together, arms at their sides, and close their eyes for about 20 seconds.

  This exercise directly tests a person's static balance by removing visual cues. An impaired individual might sway significantly, open their eyes prematurely to regain balance, or even stumble. This demonstrates how a field sobriety test can reveal physical instability caused by intoxication.