In what situation might a driver be exempt from field sobriety tests?

A driver might be exempt from field sobriety tests if the test area is deemed unsafe. This is primarily because field sobriety tests require a certain level of physical safety and stability for both the driver and the officers administering the tests. If the environment presents hazards—such as poor weather conditions, busy roads, or unstable ground—it would be impractical and potentially dangerous to conduct the tests. Law enforcement officers prioritize safety, and an unsafe area would hinder the objective measurement of a driver's sobriety.

In contrast, factors such as improper footwear, law enforcement distractions, or a driver's request for legal counsel do not automatically exempt a driver from undergoing field sobriety tests. While these circumstances might influence the situation or how an officer proceeds, they do not fundamentally compromise the safety or integrity of conducting the tests in the way that an unsafe test area would.