DRE Must be Complete all 12 Steps

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has compiled a training manual for all DRE training where the training requires that all 12 steps be performed according to the NHTSA training manual. This process is critical according to the NHTSA manual for DRE is a systematic, standardized method, it is a systematic process because it is based on a complete set of observable signs and symptoms that are known to be reliable indicators of drug impairment.

DRE Test Checklist (PDF)

A drug recognition expert never reaches a conclusion based on any one element of the examination, but instead on the totality of facts that emerge. NHTSA. The process is standardized in that it is conducted in exactly the same way, by every drug recognition expert, for every suspect. A drug recognition expert never leaves out any step in the examination, even if it is not expected to provide a positive indicator of the type of drug that the expert may suspect. NHTSA, Drug Evaluation and Classification Training, U.S. Department of Transportation, HS 172A R4/93, R8/99.

DRE Standardization Checklist (PDF)

DRE Must Not be Conducted on an Injured Person

When a case involves medical problems, a DRE should not be performed, per NHTSA, so as to avoid confusing possible drug use with the observations really being medical issues. Where the NHTSA manual states in a situation like this, your primary purpose at this time is to look for any evidence of a medical complication that would warrant terminating the examination and summoning medical assistance since there is always the possibility that a person suspected of drug impairment is actually suffering from an illness or injury requiring medical attention.

Top of Page