SFST One Leg Stand 4

Question 1

A subject raises one foot approximately 5 inches off the ground during OLS instead of the required 6 inches. How should the officer proceed?

Accepted Answer

Note the deviation but continue observing for all four clues

Answer

Minor deviations in foot height do not invalidate the test; the officer continues observing and notes any non-compliance in their report.

Question 2

Which leg should the subject raise during the OLS test?

Accepted Answer

Either leg, as the subject chooses

Answer

NHTSA standardization allows the subject to raise either leg; officers should note which leg was used in their report.

Question 3

An officer observes a subject exhibit all four OLS clues within the first 10 seconds. Should the officer stop the test early?

Accepted Answer

No, the full 30 seconds should be completed unless safety requires stopping

Answer

The full 30-second test should be completed to maintain standardization and allow full documentation, unless continuing poses a safety risk.

Question 4

For the OLS test to be scientifically valid, which of the following environmental factors must be considered?

Accepted Answer

Lighting, surface conditions, and ambient temperature

Answer

NHTSA guidelines require officers to evaluate lighting, surface conditions, and environmental factors that could affect balance before administering OLS.

Question 5

During court testimony, a defense attorney asks why the officer did not use a stopwatch during OLS. What is the correct NHTSA-recommended response?

Accepted Answer

NHTSA recommends using a watch or other timing device to measure the 30-second period

Answer

NHTSA recommends that officers use a timing device to accurately measure the 30-second OLS period.

(SFST) Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified Practice Test

(SFST) Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified Practice Test

SFST One Leg Stand 4