Skip to Content
Representing the Accused in Central Ohio Since 2000
Top
OVI Field Sobriety Tests Nhtsa Manual

OVI Field Sobriety Tests from the NHTSA Manual

Overview

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), puts out a Federal Vehicle Safety Standards Manual for law enforcement to use in OVI investigations. This is manual contains specific instructions that police officers must follow in order to establish probable cause to arrest someone for operating a vehicle under the influence and reasonable suspicion to request a chemical test.

If the instructions are not followed as instructed in the manual, the test results are not reliable. When scrutinized by a trained eye, many of these field sobriety tests administered by police officers are not done properly and the results are unreliable. This is in part because after graduating from the police academy, many police officers do not maintain good training on how to administer the tests per the NHTSA manual.

From the NHTSA Manual, three field sobriety tests are recommended to be used by the investigating officer. These tests are physically difficult for anyone and, arguably, are designed to fail.

The three tests are:

  • The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test (HGN)
  • The Walk and Turn test (WAT)
  • The One Leg Stand test (OLS)

Field Sobriety Tests

The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test (HGN)

In the HGN, an officer will tell you to put your feet together and follow the officer’s finger or stimulus (usually a pen) with your eyes without moving your head. During this test, the officer will be watching your eyes to see if they move smoothly or jerk noticeably. Improper instructions, the interference of oncoming headlights, or the wearing of contacts can render such a test invalid in establishing probable cause for an arrest.

The Walk and Turn test (WAT)

For the WAT test, an officer will ask you to take nine steps heal-to-toe in a straight line, turn around and walk back the same way while staying on the line and keeping your arms at your side. This can become more difficult when trying to listen to subsequent directions given by the officer while the test is being performed. During the test, an officer will be looking for the following indicators of impairment:

  1. whether you are unable to maintain your balance while listening to the officer’s instructions;
  2. whether you begin walking before the officer has completed the instructions;
  3. whether you stop while walking in order to regain your balance;
  4. whether you actually touch your feet heel-to-toe;
  5. whether you use your arms to maintain your balance (more than 6 inches from your body);
  6. whether you lose your balance while turning; and
  7. whether you take an incorrect number of steps.

The presence of two or more of these indicators can meet the probable cause requirement for an officer to make an arrest. This test can be considered invalid if improper instructions were given. In addition, this test has been criticized because of the officer’s subjective perception of each indicator. This means that if the officer wants you to fail, he or she could potentially look for reasons to fail you when you would otherwise pass. A videotape taken by the police vehicle of the test can benefit the defendant if this occurs.

The One Leg Stand test (OLS)

For this test, you would be asked to stand with both feet together and hands at your side. You would then have to raise one foot about six inches above the ground and count to 30. The Officer will then be looking for one of the following indicators of intoxication:

  • Swaying
    • Swaying is when you move your hips from side to side in order to keep your balance.
  • Using the arms to keep balance
    • Raising your arms six inches above your side in order to keep your balance is interpreted to mean you are having significant trouble keeping your balance.
  • Hopping on the anchor foot in order to maintain balance
    • Any raising of the anchor foot off the ground is considered an indicator of impairment.
  • Resting the raised foot on the ground three or more times during the required thirty seconds of the test
    • Doing this is considered an inability to complete the test and is an indicator of impairment.
Continue Reading Read Less
Meet Our Team When Your Future is On the Line, We're Here to Help
Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing top-notch legal representation. Get to know the individuals who are committed to your success.

Real Experiences from Our Clients

Dedicated to Your Defense
  • The thing I appreciate most about Doug was his honesty. I always felt like I could trust what he told me and in fact I was smart to do so.
    - J.W.

    Take the First Step Towards Justice

    Contact Us Today

    A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

    • Please enter your first name.
    • Please enter your last name.
    • Please enter your phone number.
      This isn't a valid phone number.
    • Please enter your email address.
      This isn't a valid email address.
    • Please make a selection.
    • Please enter a message.
    • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
    • Individualized Representation
      Mr. Funkhouser personally handles each case, ensuring every client receives the highest quality legal representation and individualized attention.
    • Unmatched Experience
      With over 25 years of experience and over 3,000 cases handled, Doug Funkhouser brings unparalleled experience and insight to every case.
    • Free Consultations
      We offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
    • Former Prosecutor Experience
      As a former prosecutor, Doug Funkhouser understands the intricacies of both sides of the courtroom, giving you a strategic advantage in your defense.