Many people have seen police officers asking drivers who might be impaired to go through a series of tests. In movies and on television, these may include things like reciting the alphabet backward or counting in a certain sequence.
While there are a host of tests that officers can ask people to take, there are only three that are admissible in court. These are known as the standardized field sobriety test (SFST), which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What tests are part of the SFST?
The walk and turn, one-leg stand and horizontal gaze nystagmus are the only three tests in the SFST. Together, these three tests are considered reliable enough to be used in a drunk driving case. However, these tests can also be unreliable if they aren’t administered or interpreted properly.
Police officers must be specifically trained to administer these tests and interpret the results of the test. Many factors can make these tests unreliable. For example, if the driver has a medical condition that impairs balance or that affects eye movement, the test might not produce accurate results.
If a driver doesn’t pass the SFST, the officer may request a chemical test to provide a blood alcohol concentration result. That result, in conjunction with the SFST, may be the backbone of the prosecution’s case.
People who are facing these charges should ensure they understand their defense strategy options. It may behoove them to discuss the situation with someone familiar with these matters so they can determine how to proceed.
