What is the primary purpose of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)?

The primary purpose of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) is to identify impairment due to alcohol or drugs. These tests are designed to provide law enforcement officers with a systematic method for observing and evaluating a driver's physical and mental coordination. When conducting these tests, officers look for specific indicators that suggest whether a driver is impaired, which can include balance, coordination, and the ability to follow instructions.

SFSTs consist of tasks like the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand, which have been standardized to show how a person responds when under the influence of substances. The results can help officers make informed decisions about whether to conduct further testing, such as breath or blood tests for blood alcohol content. The emphasis is on assessing observable signs of impairment rather than measuring a specific blood alcohol level or determining personal information such as age.