What is the maximum number of clues for horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) that can appear in one eye?

What is the maximum number of clues for horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) that can appear in one eye?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer: (C)

The maximum number of clues for horizontal gaze nystagmus that can appear in one eye is three. These clues are specific indicators that law enforcement officers observe during the HGN test, which is a commonly used field sobriety test for detecting impairment, particularly from alcohol. During the HGN test, officers assess the eyes for three distinct behaviors related to nystagmus: the onset of nystagmus before the eye reaches an angle of 45 degrees, the presence of distinct and sustained nystagmus at that angle, and the appearance of nystagmus when tracking the eye as it moves from side to side. If any of these behaviors are observed, they are considered clues that can be counted for each eye being tested. If an officer observes all three clues in one eye, this indicates a strong likelihood of impairment, reinforcing the efficacy of the HGN test as an assessment tool in DUI investigations. Therefore, three is the correct maximum number of clues that can be recorded for horizontal gaze nystagmus in a single eye during such evaluations.

The maximum number of clues for horizontal gaze nystagmus that can appear in one eye is three. These clues are specific indicators that law enforcement officers observe during the HGN test, which is a commonly used field sobriety test for detecting impairment, particularly from alcohol.

During the HGN test, officers assess the eyes for three distinct behaviors related to nystagmus: the onset of nystagmus before the eye reaches an angle of 45 degrees, the presence of distinct and sustained nystagmus at that angle, and the appearance of nystagmus when tracking the eye as it moves from side to side. If any of these behaviors are observed, they are considered clues that can be counted for each eye being tested.

If an officer observes all three clues in one eye, this indicates a strong likelihood of impairment, reinforcing the efficacy of the HGN test as an assessment tool in DUI investigations. Therefore, three is the correct maximum number of clues that can be recorded for horizontal gaze nystagmus in a single eye during such evaluations.