Are Field Sobriety Tests Accurate?

 Posted on August 18, 2025 in DUI

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are frequently used by police at traffic stops to determine if somebody is drunk. These tests are subjective and often not reliable indicators of intoxication, but they can be used as evidence against you in a DUI charge.

Getting convicted of DUI can result in significant jail time and the loss of your driving privileges. As such, it is important that you challenge every piece of evidence the prosecution brings forward. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our lawyers have more than 50 years of shared experience, so you can rest assured that your case will be handled by a team of highly qualified attorneys. If you have been arrested for DUI, an Ocean City, MD criminal defense lawyer can question the results of your field sobriety tests.

Road Conditions Can Affect Field Sobriety Tests

Standardized field sobriety tests are not always able to account for volatile conditions on the road. Poor visibility, badly maintained roads, and adverse weather conditions can all impact your performance on a field sobriety test. Being asked to stand on one leg on a freezing cold night, for instance, may be difficult even for a sober driver.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we will go over the events leading up to your arrest in exhaustive detail. If your performance on an FST was impacted by factors outside of your control, we will bring it to the court’s attention.

Field Sobriety Tests Are Subjective

A field sobriety test is ultimately based on one police officer’s observations. The officer will note certain "clues," such as using your arms to balance during a walk and turn, that may be counted against you. When evaluating the results of your test and whether or not there is probable cause to arrest you, an officer’s internal biases could inform his or her decision.

Our attorneys can review the officer’s testimony in court. If there is available video evidence, we may look for inconsistencies between what the officer reported and what the footage shows.

False Positives in Field Sobriety Tests

Performing badly on a field sobriety test does not necessarily indicate that you are drunk. Aside from conditions on the road, there are plenty of other reasons that could explain why somebody seemingly failed an FST, such as:

• Age: Older drivers may have a difficult time performing some of the more physically demanding tests.

• Stress: A traffic stop can induce significant anxiety, which can make it harder to keep still or maintain balance.

• Medical Conditions: A pre-existing medical condition may impact a driver’s coordination.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we know that there are alternate explanations for failing a field sobriety test aside from drunkenness. Our lawyers will make sure the court has all of the necessary context when looking at the results of the field sobriety tests.

Contact a Worcester County, MD DUI Defense Attorney Today

Field sobriety tests should always be viewed with close scrutiny.  At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we can go over the results of your FSTs and build your defense. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Ocean City, MD criminal defense lawyers, call our offices at 410-280-2500 today. We are available 24/7 to respond to your concerns, so do not hesitate to reach out if you need representation.