Illinois law addresses the question of whether individuals are obligated to comply with a law enforcement officer’s request to perform standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) during a traffic stop. The answer lies in the implied consent statute, which primarily pertains to chemical testing (blood, breath, or urine) for blood alcohol content (BAC). With regard to SFSTs specifically, these are generally considered distinct from chemical tests. Therefore, a driver’s consent to perform these physical and cognitive evaluations is not legally implied in the same way consent is implied for chemical testing.
Understanding the nuances of implied consent and its limitations is crucial. Refusal to submit to chemical testing carries significant consequences, including statutory summary suspension of driving privileges. This suspension is an administrative penalty imposed separately from any criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI). The outcome of chemical test refusal can significantly impact court proceedings, particularly if the refusal is presented as evidence of consciousness of guilt.
