When law enforcers suspect you of driving under the influence, they often rely on field sobriety tests to assess your impairment. But how effective are these tests really? It is important to understand how these tests work and their accuracy. Knowledge of both can help you avoid facing DUI charges.
Common field sobriety tests
Law enforcement typically uses three standardized field sobriety tests:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
- Walk-and-Turn
- One-Leg Stand
These tests evaluate your balance, coordination and ability to follow instructions. Officers look for specific indicators of impairment during each test.
Reliability and accuracy concerns
While field sobriety tests are common, their effectiveness remains questionable. Studies have shown that even when administered correctly, these tests have significant error rates:
- HGN Test: 77% accurate
- Walk-and-Turn: 68% accurate
- One-Leg Stand: 65% accurate
This means that a considerable number of sober individuals may fail these tests due to factors that may not be relevant to alcohol consumption. Age, medical conditions, nervousness and environmental factors can all affect your performance.
What you should know
If an officer requests you to perform field sobriety tests, it is important to remember that you may refuse to do so. These tests are voluntary, and they should not use your refusal against you in court. However, you must also be aware that refusing may lead the officer to request a chemical test, which is mandatory in most states.
It is important to understand that field sobriety tests often serve as a tool for officers to gather evidence for an arrest. If you have faced arrest based on these tests, it may be best to consult with an experienced DUI attorney who can challenge their validity and protect your rights.
While field sobriety tests are common in DUI investigations, their reliability is imperfect. By understanding your rights and the limitations of these tests, you can better navigate a potential DUI stop and protect yourself from unfair charges.