The SFST (Standardized Field Sobriety Test) checklist is an important tool for law enforcement to identify drivers who may be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is a standardized test that has been established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is used by many police departments throughout the United States.
The HGN test is used to assess whether a driver is impaired due to alcohol or drugs, and involves the ability of the eyes to track a moving object horizontally. The officer will stand approximately 12 inches away from the person's face and ask them to follow an object with their eyes. The officer will look for three distinct clues of impairment: lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and the onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees.
The walk-and-turn test is designed to test a person's ability to divide their attention between physical and mental tasks. It involves walking heel to toe in a straight line while counting aloud in the correct sequence, then turning around correctly and repeating the process. Clues of impairment on this test include not being able to keep balance while listening to instructions, starting before instructions are finished, stopping during the test, not touching heel to toe or stepping off the line, using arms to balance, and turning improperly or incorrect numbers of steps.
This test assesses a person's ability to perform a divided attention task while standing on one foot. The officer will ask the person to stand on one foot and count aloud in increments of thousands until instructed to stop. Clues for impairment include swaying, raising arms for balance, hopping, putting the foot down or not counting correctly.
The finger counting test is used to evaluate a person’s ability to concentrate and follow instructions while doing simple math problems. The test requires them to start with their thumb on their left hand and rapidly touch each finger as they repeat the numbers “one, two, three”. They must then reverse the order and do it again in the opposite direction. Impairment clues include mistakes in the counting sequence or losing count of the numbers.
The Romberg balance test is an evaluation of a person's ability to maintain equilibrium while standing still. The officer will ask them to stand with their feet together, eyes closed and heads tilted slightly back for 30 seconds without swaying or using their arms for balance. Impairment clues include body swaying, use of arms for balance and opening one’s eyes during the test.
The alphabet test assesses a person's ability to concentrate and follow instructions. The officer will ask the person to recite a part of the alphabet such as “A-L” or “Q-Z” backward without any errors or pauses. Impairment clues include not being able to begin correctly, pausing for more than three seconds, repeating letters, mixing up orders or stopping before completing the task.
The finger-to-nose test requires a person to stand with their feet together and tilt their head back while touching the tip of their nose with their index finger on each side of their face alternately. Clues of impairment may include missing the nose repeatedly, needing assistance in finding their own nose and having difficulty in following the directions.
This test assesses a person's ability to divide their attention between physical and mental tasks. The officer will ask them to pat one hand with the other counting aloud as they do so until instructed to stop, then reverse the process. Impairment clues include not being able to keep rhythm or coordination, stopping during the test, or doing more than asked for.
SFST (Standardized Field Sobriety Test) is a battery of three tests used to determine if a driver is intoxicated or impaired. The tests are the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand tests. SFST checklists are used by officers to help them assess a person’s physical abilities and identify any clues of impairment.
The tests on a SFST checklist include horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, finger counting test, Romberg balance test, alphabet test, finger-to-nose test, and hand pat test.
Clues of impairment associated with the tests on a SFST checklist include lack of balance while listening to instructions, starting before instructions are finished, stopping during the test, not touching heel to toe, swaying, raising arms for balance, hopping, putting the foot down or not counting correctly. Other clues of impairment may include mistakes in the counting sequence or losing count of the numbers, body swaying, use of arms for balance, and opening one’s eyes during a test. Further clues may include missing the nose repeatedly, needing assistance in finding their own nose and having difficulty in following directions as well as not being able to begin correctly, pausing for more than three seconds, repeating letters, or mixing up orders.
If you are asked to take an SFST checklist by an officer then it is important that you remain calm and comply with the instructions. Be sure to pay attention to each instruction and do not start the test until you have heard all of them. Follow the directions carefully and try your best to stay balanced during the tests. It is also important that you remain honest and respectful throughout the process as this will help ensure that your results are accurate. If you feel like you are unable to complete a task then it is important that you tell the officer so they can adjust their assessment accordingly.
Unfortunately, there is no way to fully prepare for an SFST checklist as it is designed to assess physical abilities in an unpredictable environment. However, it may be helpful to practice balance exercises such as standing on one foot or doing yoga poses that require balance. This will help you gain confidence in your physical abilities and prepare your body for the tests. Additionally, it is important to stay aware of your alcohol consumption and be sure not to drink excessively if you know you are going to be driving a vehicle.
SFST checklists are a useful tool for officers to assess a person’s physical abilities and identify any clues of impairment. The tests on the checklist include the horizontal gaze nystagmus, the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, finger counting test, the Romberg balance test, the alphabet test, the finger-to-nose test, and the hand pat test. Clues of impairment associated with the tests can include lack of balance while listening to instructions, starting before instructions are finished, stopping during the test, not touching heel to toe, swaying, raising arms for balance, hopping, putting the foot down, or not counting correctly.
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