Virginia Field Sobriety Tests
A field sobriety test is used by police officers when they have probable cause to believe a person has been drinking and driving. While there are many different field sobriety tests, the three that are used most often by Virginia police are the HGN (horizontal gaze nystagmus), the Walk and Turn and the One Leg Stand. These tests require a person to conduct different physical tasks; however they all seek to determine whether or not a person is intoxicated.
The HGN
This field sobriety test requires you follow an object (usually a pen light) with your eyes. While you’re looking from side to side and up and down, the officer will be checking for any involuntary jerking of the eyes or nystagmus. This condition is usually more pronounced when someone has consumed alcohol. However, there are some people who suffer from a natural nystagmus in their eyes.
The Walk and Turn
In order for this test to be performed accurately, the officer must designate that you’re walking on a dry, hard surface. First, the officer must show you exactly what he or she expects from you. Once you begin, the officer is watching you like a hawk to see if you can follow instructions. You must walk on a line on the roadway (sometimes imaginary!) and take nine heel to toe steps, then turn and walk back in the same manner. If you lose your balance, sway, miss a step, etc. this is a sign that you have been drinking. However, if you have a physical condition such as knee problem, this could seriously affect your test results.
The One Leg Stand
Like the Walk and Turn, this field sobriety test must be conducted on a hard, dry surface. The officer will ask you to raise one leg six inches off the ground, while keeping your arms at your sides and pointing your toe out. If you lose your balance, put your leg down or stop too early, this is also a sign of intoxication. But just like the Walk and Turn, any physical condition can affect your test results.
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