Alabama Field Sobriety Tests
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You may have heard the term Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), but what exactly does this mean? FSTs are a variety of tests administered to those suspected of drinking and driving. The purpose of an FST is to evaluate one’s sobriety. However, in many cases the arresting officer has already decided to arrest the suspect before administering the FST. Therefore, FSTs are not always used to determine sobriety, but as a means of gathering evidence to use against a suspect in court.
In the state of Alabama, the most common FSTs administered by arresting officers are:
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
This is a medical term that describes the involuntary jerking or trembling of one’s eyeball. This may occur as a suspect attempts to visually track a moving object from side to side. Usually an officer uses a small light as the object to follow.
Walk and Turn
For this test, a suspect must take a specified number of heel-to-toe steps along an imaginary straight line. Then the suspect must turn around and take the same number of heel-to-toe steps back in the same direction. An officer will be checking for balance and ability to follow directions.
Standing on One Leg
During this test, a suspect must stand with his or her heels together, keeping both arms to the side. He or she must then raise one leg off the ground six inches while counting out loud until instructed to stop. Again, the officer is looking for balance and the ability to follow directions.
Finger to Nose Test
While standing feet together their eyes closed, a suspect must touch the tip of the nose with the index finger, alternating between hands. And even if the suspect touches the tip of the nose, if they do not use the tip of the index finger, this is considered unsatisfactory.
The Rhomberg Balance Test
With arms at the side, feet together, head tilted back and eyes closed, the suspect must stand still for 20 to 30 seconds. During this time, the officer will be checking for balance and the ability to follow directions.
There are other FSTs not listed, which may include the stating of the alphabet and counting backwards. While you are not legally required to submit to an FST if asked, you should always consult with an experienced attorney.
