Do more extensive field sobriety tests require individualized suspicion of intoxication?

• A. No
• B. Only with a warrant
• C. Yes
• D. Only with prior arrest history

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that extending field sobriety testing hinges on having individualized suspicion that the driver is intoxicated. When an officer has specific, articulable observations—like erratic driving, signs of impairment, odor of alcohol, or slurred speech—that suspicion justifies stopping the vehicle and proceeding with tests. The more extensive tests are more intrusive and are used to gather stronger evidence of impairment, so they must be based on concrete indicators tied to the individual driver. Without that individualized suspicion, requiring such tests would raise constitutional concerns about unlawful detention and search.

So, more extensive field sobriety tests are appropriate only after there is reasonable suspicion of intoxication.