A score of 2 or more clues in the HGN test suggests what about the subject?

A score of 2 or more clues in the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test indicates a high likelihood of impairment. The HGN test is designed to evaluate a subject's ability to track a moving object smoothly with their eyes, which is impacted by alcohol and other drugs. When an officer observes two or more clues—like the inability to smoothly follow the object, distinct jerking of the eye, and onset of nystagmus before a 45-degree angle—it strongly suggests that the individual may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

This assessment is based on established research that links these clues to a measurable level of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), typically around 0.08% or higher. Therefore, a higher number of clues correlates directly with a higher likelihood of impairment, making a score of 2 or more indicative of significant impairment.