Walk and Turn

The Walk and Turn test is usually the third standardized and validated FST that the officer will ask you to perform in a Ventura County DUI. There are actually two components to the Walk and Turn test: an instructional phase and a performance phase. Prior to asking you to perform this test, the officer should explain that you are to stand with both hands at your sides with the heel of your right foot touching the toe of your left foot, which is called the starting position. The officer should also demonstrate how to stand in the starting position after explaining it. During this phase, the officer should note whether you can maintain your balance in the starting position. During the performance portion of this test, the officer should explain that you are to take nine heel-to-toe steps out along an imaginary line, keeping your hands at your side the entire time. On the ninth step, you should make what is called a pivot turn, and then take nine heel-to-toe steps back along the same imaginary line. Sometimes, depending on where you are doing the FSTs, the officer will have you follow a painted line, or even a crack in the concrete.

In addition to explaining the Walk and Turn test, the officer must also demonstrate how to perform the test as well, including the turn. Among the standardized cues that the officer is supposed to look for are: starting too soon, missing heel to toe, stepping off line, raising your arms from your sides, taking the wrong number of steps, making an improper turn, and stopping walking. In all, there are a possible eight total cues, and two or more may indicate impairment. However, in order for your performance on the Walk and Turn test to have any significance, the officer must explain and demonstrate how to do it according to the NHTSA guidelines. There are numerous additional factors that can affect your performance on the Walk and Turn test, and an experienced Ventura County DUI attorney who is P.O.S.T. certified in Field Sobriety Tests understands how to use your performance to your best possible advantage. Contact The Law Offices of David Lehr Law for a P.O.S.T certified Ventura County DUI attorney about your case.