What is the Rhomberg balance DUI sobriety test?
The Rhomberg balance test is a non-standardized field sobriety test. Police officers give this sobriety test to individuals they suspect are under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.
The Rhomberg balance test includes the following:
- Stand with feet together
- Tilt head slightly back
- Close eyes
- Estimate when 30 seconds as passed
- When the individual believes that 30 seconds has passed, they tilt their head forward and open their eyes.
Police officers look for the following six factors when determining whether or not an individual is impaired:
- Does the suspect sway, and if so in what direction.
- How accurate are they in estimating the passing of 30 seconds.
- Does the individual shake (eyelids, body, legs).
- Does the individuals body seem tense or more relaxed than normal.
- Does the individual make sounds or speak during the test.
- Is the individual able to follow directions correctly.
The Rhomberg balance test is called a non-standardized sobriety test because it has not been standardized by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). This means that police officers are not required to follow any specific guidelines or standards when giving the Rhomberg balance field sobriety test.
Because there are no “set standards” when giving non-standardized sobriety tests, they are typically called into question by experienced DUI / DWI lawyers during DUI prosecutions.