{"id":286643,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dui\/arrests\/field-sobriety-tests.html"},"modified":"2025-07-11T18:21:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T23:21:00","slug":"field-sobriety-tests","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/arrests\/field-sobriety-tests.html","title":{"rendered":"Field Sobriety Tests"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Field Sobriety Tests<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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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
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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

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Field sobriety tests are physical and mental exercises used by police officers<\/span> to check for alcohol <\/span>impairment<\/span> during a DUI<\/span> stop. These tests help officers establish probable cause<\/span> for DUI<\/span> arrests. They typically include the horizontal gaze nystagmus test<\/span>, walk-and-turn test<\/span>, and one-leg stand test<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Police officers<\/span> often use field sobriety tests to look for signs of intoxication<\/span>. They receive specialized training to spot impaired drivers<\/span>. If a law enforcement officer<\/span> stops you on suspicion of driving under the influence<\/span> (DUI<\/span>), you may have questions about what to expect.<\/p>\n

In this article, we’ll discuss what field sobriety tests are and the legal requirements associated with them. We’ll also explain your rights during a DUI<\/span> stop and field sobriety test.<\/p>\n

If you have questions related to field sobriety tests or you find yourself facing DUI<\/span> charges, consult with a DUI<\/span> attorney<\/a>. Drunk driving<\/span> charges can come with severe penalties, so it’s in your best interest to have an advocate on your side.<\/p>\n

What Are Field Sobriety Tests?<\/h2>\n

Field sobriety tests (FSTs<\/span>), sometimes called roadside\u00a0sobriety tests<\/a>, help police establish probable cause<\/span> to make an arrest under\u00a0DUI<\/span> laws<\/a>. They usually happen before chemical tests<\/span>, such as a\u00a0Breathalyzer<\/span> test<\/span><\/a> or other breath tests<\/span>, or blood, saliva, and urine tests<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Officers will likely record your performance on field sobriety tests for evidence should you receive a DUI<\/span> charge.<\/p>\n

Observing Erratic Driving<\/h3>\n

In general, police officers will pull you over if they notice you\u2019re showing any\u00a0signs of driving under the influence<\/a>, such as:<\/p>\n