How do variations in SFST administration affect results?

Variations in the administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) can significantly affect the results of the tests. When SFSTs are not performed consistently or accurately, it can lead to errors in interpreting an individual's level of impairment.

For instance, if an officer administers the tests in a non-standardized manner—whether by not providing clear instructions, not ensuring a suitable environment, or allowing distractions—these factors can influence the performance of the individual being tested. Consequently, variations might cause someone who is impaired to appear less impaired than they actually are, or vice versa. This inconsistency can mislead law enforcement officers or judicial authorities, ultimately resulting in incorrect conclusions regarding a person's level of impairment.

This underscores the importance of following strict protocols during SFST administration to ensure accurate and reliable results that reflect the true levels of impairment among subjects being tested.