What action must an officer take if they suspect a driver is intoxicated?

When an officer suspects that a driver is intoxicated, conducting a field sobriety test is a critical and appropriate action to assess the driver's level of impairment. Field sobriety tests are standardized processes that allow officers to gather observable evidence of impairment through a series of physical and cognitive tasks. These tests typically include activities such as walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, or following a moving object with the eyes.

By administering these tests, the officer can obtain clear, objective data that can influence further actions, such as the decision to arrest the driver or to request additional testing, such as a breathalyzer. This step is necessary before making any decisions regarding arrest, as it helps to ensure that law enforcement actions are based on observable evidence of intoxication rather than assumptions.

The other choices do not appropriately address the standard protocols for handling suspected intoxicated drivers. For instance, immediately arresting a driver without performing any assessment could lead to legal challenges if the evidence of intoxication is insufficient. Allowing a driver to go simply because they are courteous undermines public safety and the responsibility of a law enforcement officer to uphold the law. Calling for a supervisor may be a necessary step in some situations, but it does not replace the immediate requirement of conducting a