What factors may influence a law enforcement officer's decision to conduct a Field Sobriety Test?

The decision to conduct a Field Sobriety Test is primarily influenced by the observed behavior of the driver. Law enforcement officers are trained to look for specific signs of impairment, such as erratic driving, difficulty maintaining a lane, or unusual responses during interactions. These behaviors can provide critical indications that a driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Observations such as slurred speech, an unsteady gait, or the smell of alcohol are compelling factors that can lead officers to conclude that a Field Sobriety Test is necessary to further assess the driver's impairment levels.

While the time of day, weather conditions, and presence of passengers can play a role in the overall context of a traffic stop, they do not directly indicate impairment in the same way that observed driver behavior does. For example, while driving late at night may raise suspicions, it is the driver’s actions that warrant a Field Sobriety Test.