What is a key characteristic of a well-conducted field sobriety test?

A key characteristic of a well-conducted field sobriety test is consistency and adherence to standardized procedures. This is crucial because standardized procedures, such as the Three Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), are designed to minimize variability and bias in testing. By ensuring that every officer conducts the tests in the same way, it provides more reliable and valid results that can be used in court.

The use of standardized procedures helps to ensure that the test results can be replicated and are based on objective criteria rather than subjective judgment. This consistency is meant to uphold the integrity of law enforcement during DUI assessments, allowing for a fair evaluation of a driver's impairment without the influence of personal bias or differing interpretations of the testing guidelines. In legal contexts, this adherence to protocol can be critical in ensuring that evidence is admissible and credible.