When the police administer field sobriety tests, the third test that will be administered is the “one leg stand” test. For this test, the officer will have you raise one foot approximately 6 inches off the ground and count to 30.

While this may appear to be simple and straightforward, the officer will not tell you what he is looking for. Thus, it can be easy to “fail” the one leg stand test even if you are not impaired.

What are the DUI / OVI One Leg Stand Test “Clues” in Ohio?

The officer administering the walk and turn test at the scene will not tell you what he is looking for. Thus, it can be easy to fall into the trap of complying with the officer’s request that you submit to the test so that he can “make sure you are ok to drive.” The officer will be looking for 4 “clues” of impairment while you perform the one leg stand test. These are:

1. Did you sway while balancing either before the test or while performing the test?
2. Did you raise your arms 6 inches or more for balance?
3. Did you hop during the test?
4. Did you put your foot down?

How is the One Leg Stand Test Administered?

The officer administering the one leg stand test will begin by giving you the following instructions, accompanied by demonstrations:

1. “Stand with your feet together and your arms down at the sides, like this.”
2. “Do not start to perform the test until I tell you to do so.”
3. “Do you understand the instructions so far?”
4. “When I tell you to start, raise either leg with the foot approximately 6 inches off the ground.”
5. “Keep both legs straight and your arms at your side.”
6. While holding that position, count out loud in the following manner: ‘one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three,’ and so on until told to stop.”
7. “Keep your arms at your sides at all times and keep watching the raised foot.”
8. “Do you understand?”

If you “fail” two or more clues, you will be deemed to have failed the test. The results of this test will be used against you at trial. Thus, it is never advisable to submit to this, or any, field sobriety test. Instead, call a DUI / OVI attorney and speak with them about your case. For more information about DUI / OVI in Ohio, read Johnson Legal, LLC’s DUI / OVI Blog.

DUI / OVI Attorney – Columbus and Delaware, Ohio

If you have been charged with DUI / OVI in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 to schedule a consultation regarding your DUI / OVI case.