The police may ask a driver to perform a sobriety test during a traffic stop. A sobriety test can determine whether a driver is drunk while operating their vehicle. If the driver is drunk, they could be arrested and charged with drunk driving.
Alcohol affects everyone differently depending on a few factors, such as body weight, sex, genetics and metabolism. As such, a driver may not appear drunk when driving. To combat this issue, the police may perform two types of sobriety tests during traffic stops. Here is what you should know.
Field sobriety testing
A field sobriety test is a physical evaluation created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There are three different types of field sobriety tests.
A driver may be asked to perform a horizontal gaze nystagmus test, one-leg-stand test or a walk-and-turn test. Each of these tests requires a driver to physically move around and follow instructions carefully. Someone who is inebriated may struggle to follow instructions or even stumble around when performing the tests.
While field sobriety tests can help the police determine whether a driver is drunk, the results of each test may be subjective. A driver could be inebriated but showing no signs of drunkenness.
Chemical sobriety testing
A chemical sobriety test determines whether a driver is intoxicated by using a sample of their breath, blood or urine. A chemical test can reveal the driver’s blood alcohol content, which means the amount of alcohol in their body. In Michigan, if a driver’s BAC level is greater than 0.08%, they may be arrested for drunk driving.
Drivers should be aware of their legal rights during a traffic stop. Having experienced legal guidance helps people protect their rights.