How accurate are the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST’s)?
Accuracy is questionable. Even when these tests are conducted under ideal circumstances by qualified law enforcement personnel, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has determined that the three standardized field sobriety tests Pen Test (Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus) — 77% likelihood that the BAC is › .10 Walk and Turn — 68% likelihood that the BAC is › .10 One Leg Stand — 65% likelihood that the BAC is › .10 As indicated by these results, the standardized field sobriety tests are not a highly reliable indicator of intoxication. Likewise, their results can often be successfully contested in court by a skilled attorney. Maryland case law holds that the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, or (HGN) test may only be introduced to show presence of alcohol, but, despite their inaccuracy rates, the SFST’s may be used in court as observational evidence. Nonetheless, if the officer does not administer the tests to NHTSA standards, a skilled attorney can use that to impeach the officer’s c
