A roadside test, also known as a field sobriety test, is a preliminary assessment conducted by law enforcement officers to determine if a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle. These tests are typically administered at the side of the road during a traffic stop and are used to assess the driver’s coordination, balance, and cognitive functioning. Common roadside tests include the walk-and-turn test, one-leg stand test, and horizontal gaze nystagmus test. While the results of roadside tests can provide probable cause for further investigation or arrest, they are not definitive evidence of impairment and may be challenged in court. If a driver fails a roadside test, they may be asked to submit to a breathalyser or chemical test to measure their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or undergo further evaluation by a drug recognition expert. Refusing to participate in roadside tests or chemical testing can result in administrative penalties, such as license suspension or revocation, depending on state laws.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/roadside-test/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Roadside Test. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. April 18, 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/roadside-test/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Roadside Test. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/roadside-test/ (accessed: April 18, 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Roadside Test. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/roadside-test/