{"id":286638,"date":"2016-07-12T15:54:53","date_gmt":"2016-07-12T20:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dui\/arrests\/can-i-refuse-to-take-field-sobriety-tests.html"},"modified":"2025-07-14T09:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T14:00:00","slug":"can-i-refuse-to-take-field-sobriety-tests","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/arrests\/can-i-refuse-to-take-field-sobriety-tests.html","title":{"rendered":"Can I Refuse to Take Field Sobriety Tests?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Can I Refuse to Take Field Sobriety Tests?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Yes, drivers have the right to refuse field sobriety tests, but refusal may be used against them in court. Refusing a breathalyzer or other chemical test can also have serious legal consequences, including license suspension. Police use field sobriety tests<\/span>\u00a0during a DUI<\/span> stop to assess a driver’s impairment<\/span>. These tests include tasks like the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus<\/span>, Walk-and-Turn<\/span>, and One-Leg Stand<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Drunk driving and driving under the influence (DUI) are serious charges, regardless of where you live. Drivers often want to know how to protect themselves against a DUI.<\/p>\n

A field sobriety test (FST) is one form of evidence that can lead to a DUI conviction.\u00a0In this article, learn whether you have the right to refuse a field sobriety test and what happens if you refuse an FST or a breathalyzer test.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re currently facing DUI charges, consult a local DUI attorney<\/a>. They can help protect your rights and craft a strong defense strategy.<\/p>\n

Learn about field sobriety tests in DUI cases below:<\/p>\n