The Walk-And-Turn Test In Florida DUI Cases
Daytona Beach DUI Defense Lawyer
Retired Homicide Detective. Former DUI Investigator. Trial Attorney.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Florida, there is a good chance the arrest report mentions something called the Walk-and-Turn Test.
Police officers often describe the Walk-and-Turn as one of the three standardized field sobriety exercises used during DUI investigations.
Many officers consider it an important indicator of possible impairment.
Prosecutors frequently rely upon it at trial.
But what many people do not realize is that the Walk-and-Turn Test is not a scientific test.
It is not a breath test.
It is not a blood test.
And it does not directly measure intoxication.
Instead, it is a roadside exercise that relies heavily on officer observation and interpretation.
Understanding how the Walk-and-Turn Test works, its limitations, and how it may be challenged can be critical to defending a DUI charge.
At the Law Offices of Patrick J. McGeehan, P.A., we carefully analyze field sobriety exercises in every DUI case.
Before becoming a lawyer, Patrick served as a police officer, DUI investigator, traffic homicide investigator, police instructor, and homicide detective.
He administered field sobriety exercises and later learned how to challenge them in court.
Today, he uses that experience to defend individuals charged with DUI throughout Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Flagler County, and throughout Florida.
What Is The Walk-And-Turn Test?
The Walk-and-Turn Test is one of the standardized field sobriety exercises commonly used during DUI investigations.
The test requires a person to:
- Take nine heel-to-toe steps along a straight line
- Turn using a specific method
- Return with nine additional heel-to-toe steps
While performing the exercise, the officer looks for observations that the officer believes may indicate impairment.
Why Officers Use The Walk-And-Turn Test
According to DUI training materials, the Walk-and-Turn Test is designed to evaluate a person’s ability to:
- Follow instructions
- Maintain balance
- Divide attention between mental and physical tasks
The theory is that alcohol impairment may affect these abilities.
Whether that theory applies in a particular case is often disputed.
The Walk-And-Turn Test Is A Divided Attention Exercise
One reason officers like the Walk-and-Turn Test is that it requires a person to do multiple things simultaneously.
The individual must:
- Listen to instructions
- Remember instructions
- Maintain balance
- Walk heel-to-toe
- Count steps
- Perform the turn correctly
Many people struggle with these tasks even when completely sober.
How The Test Is Usually Administered
The officer generally begins by instructing the driver to:
- Place one foot in front of the other.
- Keep arms at their sides.
- Remain in position while instructions are given.
- Walk nine heel-to-toe steps.
- Turn using a specified method.
- Return with nine heel-to-toe steps.
The officer observes the driver throughout the process.
The Eight Clues Officers Look For
Officers are trained to look for eight possible clues.
Cannot Maintain Starting Position
The person loses position while instructions are being given.
Starts Too Soon
The person begins before instructed.
Stops While Walking
The person pauses during the exercise.
Misses Heel-To-Toe
The officer believes the steps were not properly executed.
Steps Off The Line
The person steps off the designated path.
Uses Arms For Balance
The person raises arms for stability.
Improper Turn
The turn is not performed according to instructions.
Incorrect Number Of Steps
The person miscounts the steps.
The officer then evaluates the observations and forms an opinion.
There Is Usually No Actual Line
One fact surprises many people.
Despite the name “Walk-and-Turn,” there is often no painted line.
The exercise may be performed:
- On the shoulder of a roadway
- In a parking lot
- On uneven pavement
- On gravel
- On grass
The officer may simply ask the driver to imagine a straight line.
This reality often becomes important during cross-examination.
The Walk-And-Turn Test Is Not Scientific
Many jurors assume field sobriety exercises are scientific tests.
They are not.
The Walk-and-Turn Test does not measure:
- Blood alcohol concentration
- Breath alcohol concentration
- Degree of impairment
Instead, the officer makes observations and forms an opinion.
That opinion can be challenged.
Age Can Affect Performance
Many perfectly sober people struggle with balance exercises.
Age frequently plays a role.
A 65-year-old driver and a 25-year-old athlete may perform very differently despite both being sober.
This does not necessarily indicate impairment.
Weight And Physical Condition Matter
The Walk-and-Turn Test places physical demands on the participant.
Factors that may affect performance include:
- Weight
- Physical fitness
- Knee problems
- Back problems
- Hip injuries
- Arthritis
Officers do not always account for these factors.
Medical Conditions Frequently Affect Results
Many medical conditions may interfere with performance.
Examples include:
- Vertigo
- Inner ear disorders
- Neuropathy
- Joint problems
- Neurological conditions
- Balance disorders
These conditions may create observations that resemble impairment.
Footwear Matters
A factor often overlooked is footwear.
Drivers may be wearing:
- Work boots
- High heels
- Sandals
- Dress shoes
- Flip-flops
Certain footwear can make balance exercises significantly more difficult.
Road Conditions Matter
Most people do not practice balancing on the side of a highway at night.
Environmental conditions often include:
- Uneven pavement
- Gravel
- Sloped shoulders
- Poor lighting
- Rain
- Wind
- Passing traffic
These conditions may affect performance.
Anxiety Can Affect Performance
Many people become nervous when interacting with police.
Even completely sober individuals may:
- Forget instructions
- Lose concentration
- Miscount steps
- Feel unsteady
The officer’s interpretation may not account for these factors.
Prescription Medications And Physical Conditions
Many medications may affect coordination, balance, or concentration.
Examples include medications prescribed for:
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Sleep disorders
- Muscle spasms
A poor performance does not automatically establish alcohol impairment.
Related Page:
DUI With Prescription Drugs
Body Camera Video Often Reveals Problems
The arrest report may state:
“The defendant displayed six clues on the Walk-and-Turn Test.”
However, body camera footage often provides important context.
Questions frequently include:
- Were instructions clear?
- Was the surface appropriate?
- Did the officer properly score the test?
- Was the defendant physically capable of performing the exercise?
Video evidence often becomes critical.
Common Defenses To Walk-And-Turn Evidence
Every case is different.
Potential defenses may include:
Improper Instructions
Medical Conditions
Physical Injuries
Poor Road Conditions
Improper Scoring
Officer Bias
Environmental Factors
Constitutional Violations
The fact that an officer reports clues does not automatically mean impairment existed.
Walk-And-Turn Evidence And DUI Trials
Many DUI trials involve extensive testimony regarding field sobriety exercises.
Jurors often learn:
- The test is subjective.
- The officer assigns the clues.
- The officer interprets the results.
- Alternative explanations may exist.
The prosecution’s interpretation is not always the only reasonable interpretation.
Related Page:
DUI Jury Trial Lawyer
Walk-And-Turn Evidence And Motions To Suppress
Sometimes the issue is not the exercise itself.
Instead, the issue is whether the officer lawfully conducted the investigation.
Potential issues may include:
- Illegal traffic stops
- Improper checkpoints
- Lack of reasonable suspicion
- Unlawful detention
Related Page:
Motion To Suppress DUI Evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Walk-And-Turn Test?
A field sobriety exercise commonly used during DUI investigations.
Can A Sober Person Fail The Walk-And-Turn Test?
Yes.
Many factors other than alcohol may affect performance.
Is The Walk-And-Turn Test Scientific?
No.
It is an observational exercise rather than a scientific measurement.
Can Medical Conditions Affect The Test?
Absolutely.
Numerous conditions may influence balance and coordination.
Can Walk-And-Turn Evidence Be Challenged?
Yes.
The exercise is frequently challenged in DUI cases.
Why Clients Choose Patrick J. McGeehan
Many attorneys handle DUI cases.
Few have administered field sobriety exercises before becoming lawyers.
Patrick’s background includes:
- Former DUI Investigator
- Police Officer
- Police Instructor
- Retired Traffic Homicide Investigator
- Retired Homicide Detective
- Trial Attorney
Most attorneys learn field sobriety testing from reports and testimony.
Patrick administered those exercises himself and later learned how to challenge them.
That experience provides valuable insight when evaluating DUI evidence.
Contact A Daytona Beach DUI Defense Lawyer
The Walk-and-Turn Test is not a breath test.
It is not proof of guilt.
It is one piece of evidence that must be carefully examined.
The instructions matter.
The conditions matter.
The evidence matters.
The defense matters.
Contact the Law Offices of Patrick J. McGeehan, P.A. today to schedule a consultation and learn how an experienced Daytona Beach DUI lawyer can evaluate field sobriety evidence and help protect your rights and your future.
Resources:
Leaving the Scene of an Accident With a Death
Fatal Crash Investigations in Florida