What might an officer ask a driver to do during a DUI stop?

During a DUI stop, an officer may ask a driver to perform physical tasks, such as walking in a straight line, to assess their coordination and balance. This task is part of standardized field sobriety tests, which are designed to provide evidence of impairment due to alcohol or drugs. The ability to walk in a straight line requires a combination of motor skills, physical coordination, and cognitive functioning, all of which can be impaired by intoxication.

These tests, such as the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand tests, are used by law enforcement to build a case for possible arrest and are legally recognized as indicators of a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. This process is crucial for evaluating impairment in a non-invasive manner in the field, providing officers with immediate observations that can guide their next steps, whether that involves further testing or a decision to arrest.

Other options, such as providing personal information only, could be part of the stop but do not specifically target impairment assessment. Submitting to a blood test typically occurs after an arrest when a more definitive measure of blood alcohol content is required. Taking a breathalyzer test without consent would be against legal standards, as officers need either implied consent or probable cause to administer such tests without a driver's agreement.