When pulled over in Missouri, the officer may decide to have you do a field sobriety test if they reasonably believe you may be under the influence of alcohol. The standardized field sobriety test focuses on your physical movements which alcohol can impair. Keep in mind that you can refuse to take the test.
Alcohol.org states that police officers use the field sobriety test when they suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol. Oftentimes, the officer pulls you over already suspecting you are drunk. These tests are not as objective as the officers may assume that they are.
There are three things the officer tests for during the field sobriety test. They have you stand on one foot with the other off of the ground about six inches for 30 seconds. They check the movements of your eyes with the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. The walk-and-turn test focuses on your ability to maintain balance and follow directions as you walk heel-to-toe for nine steps turn then walk back.
Because the test is subjective, you may decide to refuse it during the stop. The police officer may try to convince you to do the test rather than other measurements of your potential intoxication. If the officer suspects intoxicated driving, they can arrest you regardless of whether you pass the field sobriety test. Having you take the test simply provides them with probable cause.
Keep in mind that refusing to take the field sobriety test could lead the officer to believe you are hiding something. This information is intended only to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
