Why might an officer conduct an SFST at the roadside?

An officer conducts a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) at the roadside primarily to gather probable cause for a DUI arrest. The SFST is a set of standardized tests designed to assist law enforcement officers in making determinations about a driver’s level of impairment, particularly due to alcohol or drugs. By administering these tests, officers can evaluate a subject’s motor skills, balance, and cognitive abilities, which may indicate impairment. The results of these tests can provide the legal basis needed to justify an arrest for driving under the influence, should the evidence support that conclusion.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of conducting SFSTs. Impressing bystanders or avoiding paperwork is not a legitimate law enforcement goal, and while building rapport with a driver can be beneficial in some contexts, it does not directly relate to the primary objective of assessing impairment. The emphasis is always on ensuring road safety and enforcing laws related to impaired driving.