The
Field Sobriety Test is the evaluation that law enforcement officers do to people who are suspected of
Driving under the Influence (DUI), to analyze if they are still capable of driving safely, considering that they will not endanger themselves and the other people on the road. These tests are usually done to evaluate one’s ability to concentrate, balance, multitask, and function as directed, characteristics that are usually impaired whenever one is under the influence or intoxicated. As in many states across the country,
Nevada's field sobriety test procedures follow the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-approved method of field sobriety tests, which involve
- 9-step heel-to-toe walks
- one-legged stands
- horizontal eye movement nystagmus test (checking for twitchy eye movement while following an object horizontally, usually a pen, thus earning it the nickname of the 'pen test')
- feet together and head backwards
- finger counting
- Rhomberg stationary balance test (feet together, arms wide, and heads back with eyes up to the sky)
- finger to nose
As a rule, when pulled over for a field sobriety test:
- Keep calm and deal with the officer respectfully
- Know your rights
- Concentrate on the tasks at hand
- Cooperate fully
- Get in touch with a veteran DUI lawyer if about to be booked
