Non-Standardized Field Sobriety Test

The three standardized tests previously described are the ones most commonly used by police when detaining a driver suspected of DUI. These tests have been validated by the NHTSA. Because the tests are essentially voluntary (although refusal carries penalties), they are for police to determine per se intoxication, or reasonable suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Police officers may choose to use non-standardized tests, particularly in states where the evidence provided by the standardized field sobriety tests is inadmissible for anything other than validating the officer’s right to detain the driver. Both standardized and non-standardized field sobriety tests are ‘divided attention’ tests that analyze a person’s ability to take instructions clearly and perform simple tasks upon request.