What You Should Know About Field Sobriety Tests in Worcester County, Maryland

If you’re pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving in Worcester County—whether in Ocean City, Berlin, or Snow Hill—the officer may ask you to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs). These roadside exercises are designed to help law enforcement determine whether a driver is impaired. However, many people don’t realize that these tests are highly subjective and not always reliable indicators of intoxication.

Common Field Sobriety Tests

Maryland law enforcement officers typically administer three standardized tests approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

1. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)

   The officer asks you to follow a small object—like a pen or flashlight—with your eyes. They’re looking for involuntary jerking movements that may indicate impairment. However, medical conditions, fatigue, or even flashing lights can affect your eye movements.

2. Walk-and-Turn Test

   You’ll be asked to take nine heel-to-toe steps in a straight line, turn around, and take nine steps back. The officer observes balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions. Uneven pavement, poor footwear, or nervousness can all cause mistakes—even for sober drivers.

3. One-Leg Stand Test

   You’ll be told to stand on one leg while counting aloud. The officer notes swaying, hopping, or using arms for balance. Again, many sober people—especially those with back, knee, or balance issues—struggle with this test.

Are Field Sobriety Tests Required in Maryland?

Unlike the official breath or blood test, you are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests in Maryland. Refusing these tests will not automatically result in license suspension—but refusing a chemical test after arrest can.

However, if you refuse, the officer may still arrest you based on other factors such as driving behavior, speech, or odor of alcohol. It’s important to remain polite, provide identification, and clearly—but calmly—exercise your rights.

Problems With Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are not scientific proof of intoxication. They are based on an officer’s interpretation, which can be influenced by:

• Poor weather or lighting conditions

• Uneven road surfaces

• Nervousness or fatigue

• Medical or physical conditions

• Incorrect test instructions

Even small inconsistencies in how the tests are administered can make results unreliable in court.

If You’re Arrested After a Field Sobriety Test

If you’ve been arrested for DUI or DWI in Worcester County, don’t assume a failed field sobriety test means a conviction. An experienced defense attorney can review the officer’s body cam footage, challenge the validity of the tests, and question whether proper NHTSA procedures were followed.

Contact an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney

Frank Benvenuto, P.A. has over 32 years of experience defending clients charged with DUI and DWI throughout Worcester County, including Ocean City, Berlin, and Snow Hill. He understands how to challenge field sobriety test results and protect your rights.

Call today for a free consultation: 443-783-2451

Visit: ocmdlawyer.com