Can an officer administer the SFST during inclement weather?

The rationale behind the selected response lies in the fact that while inclement weather can impact the conditions under which Standardized Field Sobriety Tests are administered, it does not automatically preclude their use. Officers are trained to consider various factors, such as safety and the potential for the weather to affect the suspect's performance during the tests.

Administering the SFST in adverse conditions requires the officer to take into account the effects that factors like rain, wind, snow, or poor visibility might have on the individual’s ability to perform the tests accurately. This includes being mindful of the possibility that poor traction could affect balance and coordination.

The decision to proceed with the tests ultimately hinges on the officer’s assessment of safety and the validity of the test results under those conditions, which reinforces the importance of adaptability and judgment in the field. Being able to conduct the tests despite adverse weather can still yield valid indicators when the officer is both aware of the limitations and takes the necessary precautions.