If you are pulled over on Highway 98 or along 30A, police officers may ask you to perform physical coordination exercises. Understanding your legal rights during a traffic stop is essential, which is why Matthews & Matthews, LLP helps local drivers navigate the complexities of Florida traffic laws. Schedule a consultation today.
Field Sobriety Tests Are Completely Voluntary
In Florida, field sobriety tests—such as the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand—are voluntary. Law enforcement officers often present these requests as mandatory routine procedures, but Florida law does not require you to submit to roadside physical exercises. You can politely decline to perform them without violating any direct statutes.
Refusal Does Not Cause an Automatic License Suspension
Many drivers confuse roadside exercises with official chemical breathalyzer tests. Under Florida’s implied consent law, refusing a breath, blood, or urine test after an arrest results in an automatic license suspension. However, this rule does not apply to roadside coordination tests. Declining a physical field sobriety exercise carries no statutory penalty or automatic driver’s license suspension.
Officers Can Still Arrest You Based on Other Evidence
While refusing these exercises deprives officers of physical performance evidence, law enforcement can still arrest you if they believe they have probable cause. Officers frequently base arrests on observations like slurred speech, glassy eyes, the smell of alcohol, or erratic driving. Politeness is key during any traffic interaction, as your demeanor remains part of the record.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Navigating a roadside traffic stop requires quick, informed decisions. If you or a loved one face charges following a roadside stop, partnering with an experienced DUI attorney is critical to protecting your freedom and driving record. Working alongside a skilled DUI defense lawyer allows you to challenge improper officer procedures, questionable probable cause, and subjective observations. As a trusted DUI law firm on the Emerald Coast, Matthews & Matthews, LLP provides the dedicated legal representation needed to protect your rights. Schedule a consultation today.