What is the Least Reliable Field Sobriety Test in Georgia?

There are three main field sobriety tests that a police officer may ask you to perform while he is investigating you for a DUI: the Walk and Turn Test, the One-Leg Stand Test, and the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test.

While all of the tests are subjective and it will be up to the officer to determine if you “passed or failed,” the HGN Test is by far the most unreliable field sobriety test.

What is the HGN Test?

While most people think that the HGN test is testing your ability to follow a finger without moving your head, it is actually a test to see if your eyes are tracking smoothly or if there is a nystagmus, or a jerking of the eye. If your eye does appear to bounce or jerk, then the officer will likely conclude that you have alcohol in your system and you are therefore an impaired driver.

What Affects the HGN Test?

The HGN Test must be done with near perfect precision to be accurate. This consists of a trained officer placing his finger or pen at a distinct angle and distance from your eyes so that your focus can be established. Also, things such as bright lights, flashing police lights, or lights from oncoming traffic can affect the results of the HGN Test. Common eye problems and even drowsiness can affect the test as well. These facts cause the HGN to be the most unreliable field sobriety test, and the results can be proven inaccurate by an experienced attorney.

If you are charged with DUI, you have to attack all of the field sobriety tests that the officer conducted on you. Consult with an experienced DUI lawyer to find out how to attack the HGN and beat your case.