The Finger-to-Nose test is one of several coordination tests officers may use during a DUI investigation in Utah. Unlike the standardized field sobriety tests validated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Finger-to-Nose test is considered a non-standardized field sobriety test.
Officers often use this specific test when they suspect drug impairment rather than alcohol impairment.
How the Test is Used in Utah
In Utah DUI investigations, this test is sometimes used alongside other impairment indicators, such as:
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Modified Romberg Balance Test
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Lack of Convergence (LOC) eye testing
These additional tests help officers gather observations that they may later use to establish probable cause for a DUI arrest.
How the Finger-to-Nose Test Works
During the test, the officer instructs the driver to perform a specific sequence of movements. The standard instructions include:
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Stance: Stand with feet together and arms at the sides.
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Position: Tilt the head slightly back.
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Vision: Close the eyes.
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Action: Touch the tip of the index finger to the tip of the nose when commanded.
The officer typically calls out commands such as “left” or “right,” directing which hand the driver must use. The driver must touch their nose with the correct finger and then return their arm to their side before the next command is given.
What the Test Measures
The test is intended to measure several factors simultaneously:
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Coordination
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Divided attention
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Ability to follow instructions
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Body tremors or lack of motor control
According to drug-impairment research used in law-enforcement training, people impaired by certain drugs may miss the tip of their nose, use the pad of the finger instead of the fingertip, or display noticeable tremors during the test.
Why Officers Use the Finger-to-Nose Test
The Finger-to-Nose test is designed to reveal impairment that may affect motor coordination and neurological control. Drugs that affect the Central Nervous System (CNS) can interfere with a person’s ability to perform precise movements—especially when their eyes are closed and they must rely on balance and spatial awareness.
For officers, these observations become part of the evidence used to justify a DUI arrest.
Important Legal Context: Is the Test Reliable?
Because the Finger-to-Nose test is not a standardized field sobriety test, its reliability can vary significantly. Many factors unrelated to impairment can affect performance, including:
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Fatigue
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Nervousness
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Medical conditions
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Balance problems
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Poor instructions from the officer
For this reason, Utah courts often evaluate these tests based on the totality of the circumstances, rather than treating them as scientifically validated impairment indicators.
The Bottom Line
The Finger-to-Nose test is one of several tools officers use when investigating suspected DUI cases involving drugs. While it may provide observational clues, it is not a scientifically standardized sobriety test, and its results must be considered alongside all other evidence in a DUI investigation.
Contact a Utah DUI Attorney
If you are facing charges based on a field sobriety test, it is critical to have an experienced advocate on your side.
CALL/TXT UTAH DUI ATTORNEY JAKE GUNTER
Phone: (801) 373-6345
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