When you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror and an officer signals you to pull over, your heart might skip a beat, especially if they suspect impairment and decide to conduct a sobriety test. Among the various methods employed by law enforcement to assess impairment, the walk and turn test is a very common DWI field sobriety test in North Carolina.

Its purpose? To evaluate an individual’s balance, coordination, and ability to follow directions—all critical faculties that can be compromised under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This guide aims to delve into the specifics of the walk and turn sobriety test, shedding light on its administration, what law enforcement officers are on the lookout for, its implications in the broader context of DUI/DWI cases, and provide additional insights into how external factors and individual conditions can influence the test’s outcome.