Which set comprises the three standardized field sobriety tests commonly used?

Which set comprises the three standardized field sobriety tests commonly used?

• A. Heel-to-toe balancing test, finger dexterity, and balance test.
• B. Horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand.
• C. Finger-to-nose test, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand.
• D. Serial three counting, alphabet recitation, finger snapping.

Answer: (B)

The set being tested is the trio used in the standardized field sobriety tests: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus checks for involuntary eye jerks that become noticeable with intoxication or certain drugs as the eyes track a moving object. Walk-and-turn evaluates balance and divided attention—the person must follow instructions, stay in a straight line, take nine heel-to-toe steps, turn, and come back while counting, with errors like stepping off the line, missing heel-to-toe alignment, or starting too soon signaling impairment. The one-leg stand measures balance and the ability to maintain focus while performing a mental task—standing on one leg with arms at the sides and counting aloud for about 30 seconds, with significant swaying, using arms for balance, or raising the foot before the 30 seconds elapse indicating impairment. These three tests are the standard, validated battery used by law enforcement because they reliably assess impairment in a roadside setting. The other suggested tests—finger dexterity, finger-to-nose, serial counting, alphabet recitation, or general balance tasks—are not part of the standardized SFST protocol and don’t provide the same combination of balance, attention, and coordination measures that the three-test set offers.

The set being tested is the trio used in the standardized field sobriety tests: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus checks for involuntary eye jerks that become noticeable with intoxication or certain drugs as the eyes track a moving object. Walk-and-turn evaluates balance and divided attention—the person must follow instructions, stay in a straight line, take nine heel-to-toe steps, turn, and come back while counting, with errors like stepping off the line, missing heel-to-toe alignment, or starting too soon signaling impairment. The one-leg stand measures balance and the ability to maintain focus while performing a mental task—standing on one leg with arms at the sides and counting aloud for about 30 seconds, with significant swaying, using arms for balance, or raising the foot before the 30 seconds elapse indicating impairment.

These three tests are the standard, validated battery used by law enforcement because they reliably assess impairment in a roadside setting. The other suggested tests—finger dexterity, finger-to-nose, serial counting, alphabet recitation, or general balance tasks—are not part of the standardized SFST protocol and don’t provide the same combination of balance, attention, and coordination measures that the three-test set offers.