Field Sobriety Tests

Field Sobriety Tests are tests used by police officers to determine if a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol. Field Sobriety Tests may include the One Leg Stand Test, the Finger to Nose Test, the Walk and Turn Test, the Gaze Nystagmus Test, the Alphabet Test, the Rhomberg Test, or the Finger Count Test. Some of these tests require special training so officers generally do not use all of them at the time of the stop.

Failing the Preliminary Tests

If the driver fails some of the Field Sobriety Tests and/or registers a high enough reading on the preliminary breath test, the driver may be arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) as there may be probable cause to make the arrest. The driver will then be taken to the station, and within two hours will be asked to take a chemical test with some sort of advanced infrared breath testing device back at the station. If the driver is unwilling to take the test at the station, he will be deemed to have "refused" the test. The driver may also choose to have a blood test.

Taking the Preliminary Tests

Unless you have not been drinking at all, you may not want to take the preliminary tests as they may lead to the officer having probable cause to make the arrest. Even if you have not been drinking some people will fail some of the field sobriety tests even when sober. Keep in mind, that you are likely to be arrested anyway, if the officer thinks you are drunk, even if you are not, especially if the stop occurred late at night or very early in the morning.