Texas One Leg Stand Test

There are three standardized field sobriety tests that Texas law enforcement agents use to determine sobriety: the one leg stand test, the walk and turn test, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test.These three tests are approved by the NHTSA.

The one leg stand test seems simple, but it was actually designed to measure your physical performance as well as your ability to follow directions. While you perform the test, the officer will look for clues to decide whether a DWI arrest should be made.

To administer the test, the officer must first give instructions and then demonstrate how the test should be performed. It is also important that the conditions for the test are right—it should be performed on a hard, level, dry surface. The officer should stand at least three feet away to observe the driver and stay motionless while the test is performed. Failure to do so may interfere with the one leg stand test.

To perform the test, you must stand on whichever leg you prefer while holding one foot six inches off of the ground. During this test you will be asked to look down at your foot, keep your arms and your side, and count “one-one thousand,” “two-one thousand” until you reach “thirty-one thousand.”

During this test, there are several things that a police officer must watch for when administering the test. Swaying while balancing, using your arms to balance, and putting your foot down before the test is over will affect your test score. Hopping on one foot could also lead to a failing score.

There are several factors, besides being impaired, that can affect a person’s ability to perform the test correctly. People over the age of 65, over 50 pounds overweight, or with a physical impairment may have trouble with the coordination and balance that are necessary to complete the one leg stand test.

If you were recently charged with DWI in Austin and have questions about your one leg stand test, contact Attorney Ken Gibson today. He has successfully challenged the results of many field sobriety tests.

Ready to fight your DWI charges? Call Attorney Gibson today for a complimentary case evaluation.