Validation Studies
1977 SFST Validation Study
NHTSA · 1977 · 13.2 MB
A free account is required to download.
Published in 1977, 1977 SFST Validation Study is a NHTSA's field validation study — the research measuring how accurately the tests classify subjects. It documents the accuracy figures — and the documented limits — behind the claim that the SFSTs are 'validated'. Because it is the government's own source material, it sets the standard a DUI case can be measured against — not a standard the defense invented.
What this document establishes
It sets out the accuracy figures — and the documented limits — behind the claim that the SFSTs are 'validated'. As primary-source material, it lets you compare what actually happened in a case against the written standard, rather than relying on how the procedure is described in court.
How it's used in a DUI defense
The validation studies are where the word 'validated' comes from — and where its limits live. Their own authors documented small samples, controlled near-laboratory conditions, officer discretion in subject selection, and error rates that misclassify a meaningful share of sober subjects even at their best. Framing those numbers for the fact-finder is one of the most effective ways to put the roadside tests in perspective.
More validation studies
Was your case run by the book?
Upload your police report and our analyzer checks it against manuals like this one — then hands you the specific issues and the motions to file.