How many clues are in HGN
Emma Valentine
Published Feb 13, 2026
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN); Six clues, three for each eye. There are no specific clues for vertical nystagmus. 2. Walk and Turn (WAT); (8 total clues, 2 in instruction phase, 6 in walking phase).
How many clues are there in Sfsts?
The clues are checked for in both eyes of the subject, meaning a total of (6) clues are possible to see during the HGN. Based on validation studies and research officers are trained on, if an officer observes 4 or more clues, it indicates that the person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 grams or higher.
What is horizontal gaze test?
The Horizontal Nystagmus Test (HGN) is a standardized field sobriety test (FST) that police often administer in order to gauge whether a DUI suspect is under the influence of alcohol. … The officer notes the angle at which the pupil starts to exhibit “nystagmus” (involuntary jerking of the eye).
How many validated clues have been established for the HGN test?
There are three clues that the officer will look for when administering the HGN test. These are lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. The officer must first evaluate the suspect for any medical conditions that could affect HGN.How many clues are there in one leg stand?
4. One-Leg Stand Test Clues. In order to gauge whether a driver is intoxicated, law enforcement officials will typically watch for four major “clues” of intoxication during the administration of the one-leg stand test. Keeping these clues in mind, officers will then give one point for each clue that is spotted.
How long should horizontal gaze nystagmus test take?
In the following test one eye is look at a time. After the medical assessment is completed then the officer moves on to the HGN tests to evaluate impairment. IMPORTANT: The HGN Test should take approximately 88 seconds. If done too fast the test may have been improperly done.
What are the 8 clues in the walk and turn test?
The eight clues the officer will be looking for are: not keeping your balance while listening to instructions, starting the test before you are instructed to begin, not touching your heel to your toe, stepping off the line, stopping while walking, using your arms for balance, making an improper tum, and taking more or …
How many clues do you need to fail walk and turn?
There are eight clues associated with the walk and turn test. Two can be assessed in the “instructional stage” (starts too soon, looses balance) and the remaining six in the” walking stage” (misses heel to toe, steps off line, uses arms to balance, stops while walking, too many steps, improper turn).What are the 3 field sobriety tests?
The Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is a battery of 3 tests that include the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the walk-and-turn, and the one-leg stand tests.
How many clues are assessed when a subject Cannot complete the one leg stand test?The officer is looking for “clues” of impairment. In the One Leg Stand test there are four possible clues of impairment. If the suspect exhibits two clues then the test results indicate that the person is impaired.
Article first time published onWhat is vertical gaze nystagmus?
Vertical Gaze Nystagmus is an involuntary jerking of the eyes (up and down) which occurs when the eyes gaze upward at maximum elevation. The presence of this type of nystagmus is associated with high doses of alcohol for that individual and certain other drugs.
How do you conduct horizontal gaze nystagmus?
To administer the test, the officer will hold a small object approximately 12-15 inches from your nose and slowly move it from one side to the other. You will follow the object with your eyes while keeping your head still. The officer will look for three different clues in each (for a total of six) during the test.
How accurate is the horizontal gaze nystagmus test?
This test is one of the more accurate field sobriety tests, but it is still only around 77% accurate when determining if a person is impaired — and then only under ideal conditions, not when a subject is on the side of a road, in traffic.
How long should a 63 year old be able to stand on one leg?
Try standing on one leg for 20 seconds A person should be able to maintain this balance for more than 20 seconds. Any duration less than this calls for a medical check-up unless this incapability can be explained by another physical reason.
What is the single leg stance test?
Single Leg Stance Test – Physiopedia Purpose The Single leg Stance (SLS) Test is used to assess static postural and balance control. … Client must stand unassisted on one leg, timed from the time the other foot leaves the ground till when the foot touches the ground again or the arms leave the hips.
What is one minute one leg stand?
The participant must stand unassisted on one leg and is timed in seconds from the time one foot is flexed off the floor to the time when it touches the ground or the standing leg or an arm leaves the hips. Participants unable to perform the one-leg stand for at least 5 seconds are at increased risk for injurious fall.
Is it better to refuse field sobriety test?
FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS (FSTS): Always be polite, but say, “on the advice of counsel, I elect not to participate in any field sobriety test.” Many law enforcement officers will say, “if you pass the FSTs, you will not be arrested.” Some officers will say, “if you refuse to take the FSTs, you will be taken to jail.”
What are 4 field sobriety tests?
These tests can be the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test, the walk the line test, the one-legged stand, the Romberg test, the finger to nose test, an alphabet test and whatever else the police officer’s creativity allows.
What is RA 10586 all about?
10586. AN ACT PENALIZING PERSONS DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL, DANGEROUS DRUGS, AND SIMILAR SUBSTANCES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: Section 1.
What 3 types of tests may an officer ask for?
There are three basic tests that make up the standardized field sobriety tests are the one-leg stand, the walk and turn, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. In the one-leg stand test, the officer will ask the subject to stand in front of him, and lift one leg off of the ground, usually for 30 seconds.
What is the most accurate sobriety test?
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus occurs as the eyes move to the side. It is the observation of the eyes for Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus that provides the first and most accurate test in the Standardized Field Sobriety Test battery.
What is the one leg test for hips?
The one leg stand test, or stork stand test, is used to evaluate for pars interarticularis stress fracture (spondylolysis). It begins with the physician seated behind the standing patient. The physician stabilizes the patient at the hips.
Can diabetes cause horizontal gaze nystagmus?
It is important to note that medical conditions like diabetes, influenza or even ear infections have the ability to cause an individual to exhibit a type of nystagmus usually associated with alcohol impairment and intoxication.
What is horizontal gaze?
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) is a condition where the eyes make repetitive and involuntary jerking movements while gazing to the side. HGN is involuntary, and the person experiencing the condition is unaware it is happening.