Roadside Test Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Roadside Test, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Roadside Test?

(n) Roadside tests are the test conducted at the site of incident or the spot of pulling over of the driver, to examine the conditions of the drunken drivers by testing their level of physical equilibrium. Law enforcing officers use tests to measure the reflexes of the accused before they restore to normalcy

History and Meaning of Roadside Test

Roadside tests, also known as field sobriety tests, are a standard tool used by law enforcement officers to determine whether or not a driver is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The practice of roadside testing began in the 1970s, and it quickly became a common method for testing driver impairment.

When a driver is pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence, the officer will often ask them to perform a series of physical tests, such as standing on one leg, walking in a straight line, or following an object with their eyes. These tests are designed to help the officer assess the driver's coordination, balance, and reaction time.

Examples of Roadside Test

  1. "The officer suspected the driver was under the influence and administered a roadside test."
  2. "After failing the roadside test, the driver was arrested and taken to the police station for further testing."
  3. "The driver passed the roadside test and was allowed to continue on their way."

Legal Terms Similar to Roadside Test

  1. Breathalyzer - a device used to measure the alcohol content in a person's breath.
  2. Blood alcohol level - the amount of alcohol in a person's bloodstream.
  3. DUI/DWI - driving under the influence/driving while impaired.