Field sobriety tests are commonly used by law enforcement officers during DUI investigations in Maryland. These tests are designed to help officers evaluate whether a driver may be impaired by alcohol or drugs. During a roadside stop, an officer may ask a driver to perform certain physical and cognitive tasks while observing balance, coordination, and the ability to follow instructions.
Common field sobriety tests include walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, and following an object with the eyes. Officers use these exercises as part of their overall assessment of whether probable cause exists to make a DUI arrest. However, a variety of factors unrelated to alcohol consumption can influence how a person performs during these tests, including fatigue, medical conditions, or uneven road surfaces.
Because field sobriety tests are subjective and rely heavily on an officer’s observations, they are often closely examined in DUI cases. The conditions under which the tests were administered, as well as the officer’s training and interpretation of the results, may become important issues in determining the reliability of this evidence.