What is one of the primary purposes of field sobriety tests?

The primary purpose of field sobriety tests is to assess a driver's sobriety. These tests are designed to provide law enforcement officers with observable evidence of a driver's physical and cognitive ability to operate a vehicle safely. During a DWI stop, officers administer these tests to evaluate a driver's balance, coordination, and mental faculties. Successful performance on these tests may indicate that a driver is not impaired, while difficulty can suggest that the driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The results of these tests can be crucial in supporting or justifying an arrest for driving while intoxicated. In contrast, determining vehicle speed, evaluating vehicle condition, and issuing traffic citations are not the primary focus of field sobriety tests.