One Leg Stand

The one leg stand test is one of three standardize field sobriety tests used at the field to determine intoxication of a driver. On this page, we explain what the test is, different phases of testing that the police officer will administer, and how a police officer will score this test. For assistance fighting standardized test results, contact us.

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In order to accurately administer the one leg stand test, it must happen on a hard, dry, level, non-slippery surface. Conditions must be such that the suspect would be in no danger if they fell. Certain wind or weather conditions obviously may interfere with the validity of this test.

A person over sixty-five years of age should not take the test. Also, a person more than fifty pounds overweight should not take the test. It shouldn’t given to people with physical impairments that interfere with balance. Individuals wearing heels more than two inches high should get the opportunity to remove their shoes. High heels may diminish the reliability of the results.

The officer should not give this test if there isn’t adequate lighting to perform it. In total darkness, even the average, sober person may have difficulty with this test. This is a result of a lack of visual frame of reference that would otherwise be provided with proper lighting.

As with the walk and turn test, the officer must observe the suspect from at least three feet away. The officer must remain as motionless as possible so that there are no distractions.

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Instructions Phase

In the administration of this test, there are two separate stages involved. The first phase is called the instructions phase. During the instructions phase, the driver has to stand with feet together, with arms at the sides, while listening to instructions. This is designed to divide the driver’s attention between balancing and listening to the police officer’s instructions.

The test is begun by giving verbal instructions, followed by a demonstration. The police officer is trained to advise the driver to stand heels together and arms down at the sides, making sure not to begin the test until they are told to do so.

The officer has to receive confirmation that the driver understood the instructions, and then document this acknowledgement. There aren’t any scoring opportunities until the next stage of the test, which is the balance and counting stage. The only other possibility is if the driver can’t perform the test, which would be scored as a maximum of four points and would be explained by the officer in the police report.

Balancing and Counting Stage

The next phase of the one leg stand is the balancing and counting phase. At the beginning of this stage, the officer has to explain the test requirements further by instructing the driver to stand on one leg. (The driver is allowed to choose which leg to stand on).

The driver has to hold the other foot in front about six inches from the ground, all the while keeping the foot parallel to the ground. While standing, the driver has to keep arms at the sides, and eyes on the elevated foot, while counting out loud “one thousand one, one thousand two,” etc. all the way until a full 30 seconds has passed. This basically divides the driver’s attention between balancing and counting.

The timing is important to note as impaired persons usually cannot stand for the full 30 seconds. Police officers are looking for four specific clues from drivers while they are performing the one leg stand:

  • Swaying while balancing.
  • Using arms for balance.
  • Hopping.
  • Putting the foot down.

Police consider a driver unable to complete the one leg stand when a driver either:

  • Puts their foot down three or more times during the 30-second testing period; or
  • Simply cannot do the test.

Scoring the One Leg Stand

In order to accurately administer the one leg stand field test, the officer must move the suspect to a hard, dry, level, non-slippery surface. Conditions must be such that the suspect would be in no danger if they were to fall. Certain wind or weather conditions obviously may interfere with and affect the validity of this test.

This test should not be given to persons who are more than sixty-five years of age. Also avoid the test if  the person is more than fifty pounds overweight. Or, it should not be given to people with physical impairments that interfere with balance.

Individuals wearing heels more than two inches high should be given the opportunity to remove their shoes. This may diminish the reliability of the results. The officer is trained not to give this test if there is not adequate lighting to perform it. In total darkness, even the average, sober person may have difficulty with this test. This is a result of a lack of visual frame of reference that would otherwise be provided with proper lighting.

As with the walk and turn test, it is imperative that the officer observes the suspect from at least three feet away. They should remain as motionless as possible so that there are absolutely no distractions caused by the officer.

You can find more information concerning the one leg stand test or other field sobriety tests on my website. Contact me for help defending against a DUI allegation in Connecticut.

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