DUI Field Sobriety Tests: The Finger to Nose Test

The finger to nose FST was among the six optimal DUI field sobriety tests that were examined during the initial 1977 study conducted by SCRI. The finger to nose test was also included in a Finnish DUI study conducted in 1974 and was implemented by the LAPD during the formation of their DRE program. The finger to nose test is also accepted by NHTSA due to its unique divided attention qualities and depth perception issues.

Administration of the Finger to Nose Test

The DUI suspect is required to bring the tip of the index finger up to touch the tip of the nose while his/her eyes are closed and his/her head is tilted slightly back (standing in a manner identical to that required for the Romberg Balance FST). The DUI suspect will attempt this six (6) times, three (3) with each hand. The officer will instruct the subject as to which hand to use on each attempt. The Finger to Nose FST differs from the other DUI psychophysical tests in that the examiner must continue to give instructions to the subject throughout the test.

a. Start by instructing the DUI suspect to place his/her feet together and place his/her arms down at his/her sides.

b. Instruct the DUI suspect to make a fist with the index finger extended and rotate his/her palms forward.

c. When told to do so, the DUI suspect should tilt his/her head back slightly and close his/her eyes.

d. Ensure that the DUI suspect tilts his/her head back prior to closing his/her eyes. Closing the eyes first, then tilting the head back may impair an individual's normal equilibrium.

e. The DUI suspect will be instructed to bring either the left or right index finger up to touch the tip of his/her nose. As soon as the finger touches the tip of his/her nose, they must return the arm back down to his/her side.

The arm shall come straight out in front of the subject and then the extreme tip of the index finger brought back to touch the extreme tip of the nose.





The following sequence should be followed when giving the FST: "Left, Right, Left, Right, Right, Left."

Interpretation of the Finger to Nose DUI Test

The major clues associated with the Finger to Nose FST are:

a) The subject's ability to follow instructions.
b) The amount and direction in which the subject sways.
c) Eyelid tremors and body/leg tremors.
d) Muscle tone (either more rigid or more flaccid than normal).
e) Any statements or unusual sounds made by the subject when performing the test.
f) The subject's depth perception when attempting to touch the nose. Was the speed slow or fast when bringing the finger to the nose?
g) Document where the subject touches his/her index finger on his/her face. Did the subject use the correct sequence as directed?