Field Testing

There are three standardized field sobriety tests that police often administer as a prequisite to further testing. These tests include the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, one-leg-stand test, and the walk-and-turn test. As a general rule (and unlike chemical testing), there is no legal penalty for refusing to take these tests although the arresting officer can typically testify as to your refusal in court.

Implied Consent

In most cases, if an officer suspects that you are driving under the influence, “implied consent laws” require you to take a chemical test (using your blood, breath, or urine) to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). Implied consent laws say that by just driving on the road, you are agreeing to take a chemical test to assess your BAC. Implied consent laws vary by state—particularly about which test is required and when it should be given—but every state has them, so in every state you must take the test.

Timing of the Test

In some states, a chemical test must be given within a particular timeframe—usually within a few hours of the time that you were driving. However, even if you took the test after that time, you may still be found guilty of a DUI because even if you can’t be charged with having a BAC over .08% (the legal limit for those 21 years and older), you could still be charged with DUI just based on the officer’s observations of your impairment. To learn about the required timing of chemical tests in your state, go to DUI/DWI Laws in Your State.

Refusing to Take the Test

If you refuse to take the test, you will face heavy penalties—possibly worse than if you were found guilty as a result of the test. The penalties vary by state and usually include a combination of a fine, jail time, license suspension, and required use of a ignition interlock device. Additionally, when your case goes to court, the prosecution can typically use your refusal against you—saying that you knew you were intoxicated and that’s why you refused to take the test. For all of these reasons, it usually does you no good to refuse to take a chemical test.

On the other hand, if you realize that you are very intoxicated, you’ve had prior DUIs, and you know that the penalty for the current event would be worse than refusal, then refusing the test might work to your advantage.

Challenging the Blood Test

Learn about challenging the results of a blood test—and subsequently your BAC—in a DUI case.

Laws in Your State

The best thing you can do if you think you may find yourself in this situation is to educate yourself about your state’s laws. See the chart below for the consequences of refusal in your state. Click on your states link to learn more about the your state’s BAC test refusal laws and for the exact statute where you’ll find those laws—that way you can read them for yourself.

Consequences of Refusal in Your State

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