A Fort Worth DWI Attorney on Attacking the Walk-the-Line Test

The walk-the-line or walk and turn test is one of three standardized field sobriety tests as designated by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. This test is intended to measure a driver’s motor coordination skills as an indicator of intoxication. Despite the high frequency in which the walk-the line test is administered by law enforcement, it is often incorrectly given, and the results may in therefore be subject to attack.

The Basic Test

The test requires the person to walk along a line in the following manner; begin with the left foot moving ahead of the right foot in a heel to toe stance, take nine steps, turn and take nine steps to return to the starting position. Arms are to be held to one’s sides during the test. Importantly, the police officer is required to demonstrate the proper manner of movement prior to the driver taking the test.

Test Standards

The test must be administered in a specific way. For instance:

  • The surface should be dry, hard, level, non-slippery and of a nature that the person does not feel as if he or she may fall.
  • The lighting should be adequate to see, or the police officer should illuminate the area with a flashlight.
  • There must be a line that the person can see.

Individual Factors

There are also a number of individual factors that can call into question the validity of the test. More common ones include:

  • The person may have some physical or mental impairment that makes completion of the test more difficult
  • The person’s attire is inappropriate; for instance, high heels, extremely tight clothing or extremely baggy clothing.

Contact a DUI Lawyer Fort Worth Legal Advice

A DUI arrest need not automatically end up in a conviction. To understand your options, call Bryan P. Hoeller, a Fort Worth DWI attorney, at (877) 208-3382.