Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)
Police officers routinely ask motorists suspected of DWI or DUI to perform field sobriety tests. These "voluntary" tests were developed to help an officer determine whether or not a motorist is safe to drive. The officer subjectively determines the motorist's performance based on the results of these tests. Even if you do not appear to be intoxicated but you have the odor of an alcoholic beverage on your breath, the officer will usually ask him or her to take a breathalyzer and/ or blood test. The tests should be administered to you immediately after being pulled over because they are time sensitive. The scoring of the SFST is based on many things, including the opinion of your performance by the arresting officer. Some other things include: -how you get out of your car -if you have any injuries , balance problems, or weight issues that might cause problems when performing field tests such as walking in a straight line or balancing on one leg -the surface you perform the tests on should be smooth and flat, and the area should be well lit Three tests have been scientifically tested for accuracy (although their accuracy is not very impressive). You don't have to be read your Miranda rights prior to performing field tests.