Walk and Turn Test

The walk and turn test is one of three standardized field sobriety test (FST) used by police officers to determine if a driver is intoxicated with alcohol or drugs. It may also be referred to as the nine-step test, nine step walk turn, DUI straight line test, or DUI walk the line test.

To perform the walk and turn test the driver should take nine steps heel-to-toe along a straight line. The driver is then instructed to turn on one foot and return with nine steps heel-to-toe back along the same line in the opposite direction. While the driver is performing the walk and turn test the officer is evaluating eight indicators of impairment: whether the suspect can keep their balance while the officer is giving instructions for the test, whether the driver starts the test too soon, whether the driver stops in the middle of the test, whether the driver steps heel-to-toe, whether the driver steps off the line, whether the driver must use their arms for balance, whether the driver performs the turns properly, and whether the driver takes the correct number of steps.

The National highway Traffic Safety Administration claims that studies have determined the walk and turn test is "68% accurate in determining whether a driver has a blood alcohol concentration of .10% or greater." Officers must follow specific instructions and procedures to ensure the test is accurate.