Individuals who are pulled over for the suspicion of drunk driving might be told that they have to complete the standardized field sobriety test. This is a battery of three activities that are meant to gauge the impairment level of the person taking the test.
The SFST components have been tested, and they are approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They must be performed in an exact manner so that the officer can try to get the information they need to make a determination about the person’s ability to drive safely.
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus: Eye movements are checked while you look at an object the officer moves
- One-leg stand: Swaying, hopping and putting your foot down are a few of the clues the officer is watching for
- Walk and turn: A person who’s intoxicated likely can’t walk in a straight line or walk heal-to-toe
Officers will record the type of clues of impairment the notice for each of these activities. That information may be used against you if it is determined that you’re too intoxicated to drive legally. If this is the case, you’ll likely be asked to take a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol concentration percentage to check if it’s over the legal limit.
Those are the only four components that are approved for the SFST. If the officer has you complete other tasks, they aren’t part of the SFST. If it’s determined that your intoxicated and you’re arrested, remember that you have specific rights. Invoke those rights and contact your attorney to get your defense strategy planning started as quickly as possible.