What is the primary goal of administering standardized field sobriety tests?

The primary goal of administering standardized field sobriety tests (SFST) is to gather evidence for possible impaired driving. SFSTs are designed to assess a driver’s physical and cognitive abilities, helping law enforcement officers determine whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

These tests involve a series of standardized exercises that measure a subject's balance, coordination, and attentiveness, which are typically impaired when someone is intoxicated. By observing performance on these tests, an officer can collect objective evidence that supports their determination of impairment. This information is crucial when making decisions about whether to arrest a driver for DUI or to proceed with further investigations.

The intent behind SFSTs is rooted in their reliability and validity as assessment tools in DUI enforcement, unlike other options listed that do not align with the purpose of these tests. For instance, distracting the subject or trying to establish a friendship does not serve the function of assessing impairment, and completing a traffic stop quickly could undermine the thorough evaluation of the driver’s state, which is essential for ensuring road safety.