The Finger to Nose DUI field sobriety test is a sobriety exercise that is commonly administered to DUI suspects. Police use this test to confirm impairment and for obtaining enough probable cause for your arrest. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator) does not specifically support the Finger to Nose exercise, but it is still commonly used and admissible. Check your local laws for more information on the DUI field sobriety tests used in your jurisdiction.
How Does the Test Work
For this test, your asked to stand with your arms out horizontally at your sides and feet together. With your eyes closed, your asked to take one hand at a time upon the officer's command. Place it straight out in front of your body. Bend your arm at the elbow forward. Then move to touch the tip of your finger to the tip of your nose. You will then place your arm back out at your side.
There are significant variations of how the test conducted in the field. Sometimes an officer will want you to touch your nose. Bend your arm at the elbow forward. Then put your arm back out. Other times you will not have to bend your arm at the elbow forward. This is an extremely tricky test, and very rare to see police report where person performed it 100 percent correctly. Officers love to trip you by requesting same hand twice (left hand, right hand, left hand, right hand, right hand).
Your evaluated on how well you can follow directions. How close you can get to touching your nose with your finger instead of other spots on your face. Also, how well you can stand in that awkward position without swaying or falling over.