DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Flashcards
7 cards from real NC BLET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning โ missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing flashcards as text
Which of the following is the first phase in the DWI detection process?
Answer: Vehicle in Motion
The DWI detection process is divided into three phases. Phase One, Vehicle in Motion, involves observing the vehicle and noting any driving behaviors that might indicate impairment. Phase Two is Personal Contact, and Phase Three is Pre-Arrest Screening.
During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, how many total validated clues can be observed for impairment across both eyes?
Answer: 6
The HGN test checks for three clues in each eye, for a total of six possible clues. The clues are lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. Observing four or more clues is a strong indicator of a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
Which of the following is NOT one of the eight validated clues for the Walk-and-Turn standardized field sobriety test?
Answer: Takes the correct number of steps
Taking the correct number of steps (nine steps out, nine steps back) is the expected performance, not a clue of impairment. The eight clues are: cannot keep balance while listening to instructions, starts too soon, stops while walking, does not touch heel-to-toe, steps off the line, uses arms to balance, improper turn, and incorrect number of steps.
How many validated clues are there for the One-Leg Stand standardized field sobriety test?
Answer: 4
The One-Leg Stand test has four validated clues of impairment. These clues are: sways while balancing, uses arms to balance, hops, and puts foot down. Observing two or more clues indicates likely impairment.
Under North Carolina's implied consent law, any person who drives a vehicle on a highway or public vehicular area agrees to the chemical analysis of their breath or blood for what purpose?
Answer: To determine their alcohol concentration or the presence of an impairing substance.
G.S. 20-16.2, the implied consent statute, states that anyone driving in NC implicitly agrees to a chemical analysis to determine their alcohol concentration or the presence of any other impairing substance if charged with an implied-consent offense. This is a key tool for DWI enforcement.
What is the primary purpose of administering a Portable Breath Test (PBT) at the roadside during a DWI investigation?
Answer: To establish probable cause for a DWI arrest.
The result of a PBT is not admissible in court to prove a specific BAC level. Its primary function is to serve as one more piece of evidence to help an officer establish probable cause to arrest a driver for DWI and require an evidentiary chemical analysis.
In North Carolina, it is unlawful for a person 21 years of age or older to operate a non-commercial motor vehicle on a highway or public vehicular area with an alcohol concentration of:
Answer: 0.08 or more
G.S. 20-138.1 establishes the per se offense for DWI. For a person 21 or older operating a non-commercial vehicle, the legal limit for alcohol concentration is 0.08. Different limits apply to commercial drivers (0.04) and drivers under 21 (any amount).