What type of assessment does the SFST provide?

The Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) provides an objective measure of a driver's performance under specific conditions. This type of assessment is structured and based on observable behaviors that are indicative of impairment. The tests included in the SFST, such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand, are designed to evaluate different aspects of motor skills, balance, and coordination.

Each test follows strict guidelines to ensure that the results are consistent and can be reliably replicated, which is central to the objective nature of the assessment. By focusing on quantifiable physical signs and standardized procedures, the SFST minimizes personal biases and subjective judgments, allowing law enforcement officers to make more informed decisions about whether a driver may be impaired by alcohol or other substances.