What Are Your Rights Regarding Field Sobriety Tests in Maryland?
No driver wants to be pulled over, and being pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving can be particularly stressful. In Maryland, police officers typically administer field sobriety tests to determine whether a driver is impaired. These tests are designed to evaluate your coordination, balance, and ability to follow directions. However, many drivers don’t realize that they have specific rights related to field sobriety tests. Understanding them could make a huge difference in the outcome of your DUI or DWI case. What Are Field Sobriety Tests? Field sobriety tests are a set of physical and mental exercises that police officers use during traffic stops. The three standardized tests approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) include: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test: This measures the involuntary jerking of your eyes as they follow a moving object (like a finger or pen) Walk-and-Turn Test: This assesses your ability to follow instructions while...