Georgia DUI Field Sobriety Testing

The NHTSA has approved three standardized field sobriety tests in the Georgia: the HGN (horizontal gaze nystagmus), the walk and turn and the one leg stand. Georgia police officers are trained on how to conduct each test if they suspect someone of drinking and driving.

The HGN Test

Thought of as the most reliable of the three, this test has a 77% to 88% reliability if the test is administered properly. It is also the only test that is deemed “scientific”. Here’s how it works:

The police officer will ask you to hold your head still and follow an object such as a pen or light with your eyes. The officer will look for nystagmus, which is an involuntary jerking of the eyes brought on by alcohol consumption. The problem is that many people suffer from nystagmus naturally.

The officer will look for three clues in each eye for a total of six clues. If the officer notices four clues, you have failed the HGN.

The Walk and Turn

Unlike the HGN, this is a divided attention test. You’ll be tested on your physical performance and also your ability to follow instructions. The officer MUST explain the test and also demonstrate it for you.

You’ll be told to walk a line (sometimes it’s imaginary!) and take nine heel-to-toe steps. You’ll pivot off your front foot and walk back in the same manner all the while counting out loud. If the officer notices you can’t stay balanced, you don’t take the right number of steps or count out loud, or you step off the line, this counts against you. If the officer observes two clues, this a fail.

The One Leg Stand

Meet divided attention test number two. Here the officer will ask you to raise one foot six inches off the ground. You’ll be told to count out loud until you’re told to stop. You must look down, point your toe out and keep your arms at your sides during the test.

If you stop the test early, put your foot down, forget to count out loud or use your arms for balance, this counts against you. Once the officer notices two of these clues, you can be arrested for DUI.