What is the minimum age recommended for most SFST evaluations?

The minimum age recommended for most Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) evaluations is at least 18 years old. This age threshold is significant as it aligns with the legal age of adulthood in many jurisdictions, where individuals are considered capable of making informed decisions and bearing legal responsibility for their actions.

Administering SFSTs to individuals under 18 years old introduces complications related to their cognitive and physical development, as well as legal considerations regarding consent and competency. As individuals under 18 are often perceived as minors, the results of sobriety evaluations in this age group may lack reliability or may not be admissible in court. By establishing an age limit of 18, law enforcement officers can ensure that the tests are conducted with individuals who are legally considered adults, supporting the integrity and accuracy of the evaluations.