Understanding Field Sobriety Tests

Ever wonder what a field sobriety test consists of?

It actually consists of three tests that are recognized and used by all law enforcement agencies. They are used to determine impairment, as well as establish probably cause for an arrest. These tests came into existence through various tests conducted by the Southern California Research Institute, which was sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

There is now a formal program of training that is available to officers in the state of California. This will aid officers in becoming more adept at identifying DWI suspects, learning how to describe the behavior of the suspects, and finishing up with presenting effective testimony in a courtroom. 

The three primary components of a field sobriety test are: Horizontal Gase Nystagmus (HGN), Walk-and-Turn (WAT), and One-Leg Stand (OLS). When testing out these three components, the researchers found that 91 percent of officers were able to accurately identify those under the influence of alcohol. 

Do you have questions about FSTs and your DUI arrest?  If so, contact our law office and speak with an Orange County DUI attorney today.