What is the purpose of field sobriety tests?

Field sobriety tests are designed specifically to assess the driver's level of impairment due to alcohol or drugs. When law enforcement officers suspect a driver may be under the influence, these tests provide objective measures of the individual's ability to perform tasks that require coordination, balance, and cognitive functioning—skills often affected by impairment.

The tests typically involve a series of physical and mental exercises, such as walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, or following a moving object with the eyes. The results of these tests help the officer determine whether there is probable cause to arrest the driver for DUI or DWI.

Other options, while they may relate to broader interactions during a traffic stop, do not accurately reflect the primary goal of field sobriety tests, which is to gauge impairment specifically.