In Kentucky, officers check sobriety levels with field sobriety tests. If pulled over on suspicion of DUI, these tests may end up as the first thing you have to take. You may thus worry about what happens if you fail a field sobriety test.
Understanding what happens during and after a field sobriety test is important. Understanding this information can help you get through the test easier.
What is a field sobriety test?
FieldSobrietyTests.org discuss what these tests are and how they impact drivers. Officers give field sobriety tests to check certain things. This includes your balance, coordination and ability to follow instructions. There are two different types of tests. Standardized field sobriety tests follow a universal rubric. There are only three in use. Non-standardized field sobriety tests rely on an officer’s judgment. There are many tests in this category.
How do these tests compare to other BAC tools?
A field sobriety test is often used as a “first measurement”. In other words, whether you pass or fail a field sobriety test, you may face further testing. This is more common if you fail the field sobriety test. Due to potential bias, field sobriety test results are not reliable evidence. The court does not put a lot of stock in them. Because of this, even a failed field sobriety test will not hold up against you. Thus, they may then request a blood or breath test.
None of these tests guarantee a result in court, though. As such, you do not need to feel too much concern over failed field sobriety tests. Make sure you do not write them off entirely, though.