What is the purpose of a Standardized Field Sobriety Test?

The purpose of a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is to determine whether a suspect is impaired. Law enforcement officers use these tests to assess a driver's physical and cognitive abilities at the scene of a traffic stop. The tests are designed to evaluate various indicators of impairment, such as balance, coordination, and attention.

By observing how a suspect performs on these tasks, officers can gather evidence that may suggest the individual is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This information is crucial in making informed decisions about whether to proceed with an arrest or additional testing, such as a breathalyzer or blood test for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels.

While arresting suspects or collecting vehicle information may be part of an officer's duties, these actions are not the primary function of the SFST. Additionally, measuring BAC levels typically requires specialized equipment beyond the scope of the SFST itself.