Non-Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

If a police officer suspects someone of driving under the influence of alcohol, the officer will pull the driver over and most likely subject him or her to one or more field sobriety tests. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has standardized a set of these tests, meaning that officers must follow a set of specific guidelines in administering them. However, some tests are non-standardized, meaning that it is up to the officer’s discretion as to how the test is given and how to determine what information the test gives about the driver’s physical and mental condition.

Standardized field sobriety tests include the walk and turn, the one-legged turn, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. Each of these tests is administered the same way by each officer, and he or she is looking for a very specific set of reactions to determine if the driver is intoxicated. Non-standardized tests vary, on the other hand, and may include:

• Finger to nose test: The driver is instructed to close his or her eyes, and then touch his or her own nose with an index finger, brought around from behind the body.
• Hand pat test: The driver is told to extend one hand with the palm up, and then place the other hand on top with the palm down. The driver must then flip the top palm back and forth, first facing up and then facing down, counting each rotation.
• Rhomberg’s stationary balance test: The driver is instructed to stand with feet together and head back. While facing the sky, he or she must hold the arms straight out to the side and retain balance.
• Reciting the alphabet or a portion of the alphabet.
• Counting backwards.
• Counting the number of fingers the officer shows.

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If you have been charged with DUI, you need an experienced drunk driving defense attorney to handle your case. Rhode Island DUI defense lawyer James Powderly has dedicated his practice to securing and protecting the rights of Rhode Island drivers. For help with your case, contact us today at 401-662-9006.