Field Sobriety Tests

There are two kinds of field sobriety test recognized by the New Jersey courts – standardized and non-standardized. The three that should not be considered as evidence are the finger to nose, saying the alphabet and finger counting because they are non- standardized.

When they were developing field sobriety tests they utilized six separate tests in a study:

1. The Walk and Turn (WAT)

2. The One Legged Stand (OLS)

3. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)

4. Finger to Nose

5. Finger Counting

6. Drawing on Paper

Of these six tests only three were accurate enough to be considered for further study: The Walk and Run, The One Legged Stand and the Horizontal Gaze.

The accuracy of these tests were further studied for the purpose of predicting a BAC of 0.10%:

* Walk and Turn: 68%

* Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus: 77%

* One Legged Stand: 65%

* Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus & Walk and Turn: 80%

These three tests have been been determined to be accurate for alcohol only but not for other drugs. There is more information you can read on the reliability of breath tests.

There are deficiencies in field sobriety tests and only a qualified New Jersey DWI attorney can argue against their being used as evidence against you.

If you, or a family member, has been arrested for DWI in New Jersey, contact the attorneys with Reisig & Associates for a free consultation.

DO NOT assume that because you performed poorly on the field sobriety tests, you have no chance of avoiding a conviction. Let us provide the defense strategies you need.