Field sobriety tests are commonly used by law enforcement officers during DUI investigations in Washington DC. These tests are intended to help officers determine whether a driver may be impaired by alcohol or drugs. During a traffic 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 tests include walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, and following an object with the eyes while the officer evaluates eye movement. Officers use the results of these tests, along with other observations, to decide whether probable cause exists to make an arrest.
While these tests are frequently used in DUI investigations, they can be influenced by many factors unrelated to alcohol consumption. Fatigue, medical conditions, uneven road surfaces, or nervousness during the encounter can all affect how a person performs during roadside testing. For this reason, the circumstances under which the tests were administered may become an important part of evaluating the evidence in a DUI case.