Final answer:
Law enforcement officers have the discretion to administer various tests, including breath, urine, or a field sobriety test, when pulling over a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an individual is pulled over for drinking and driving, law enforcement has the authority to administer various tests to assess whether the driver is under the influence of alcohol. The breath test, commonly known through devices like the Breathalyzer, is a frequent choice as it measures the ethanol concentration in the breath.
The Breathalyzer reaction, where ethanol is oxidized to acetic acid causing a color change in the testing solution, provides a quick estimation of the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A urine test can also be employed, though it isn't as immediate as the breath test. In the event of a Field Sobriety Test (FST), the officer assesses the suspect's neurological function and coordination, both of which are impacted by alcohol consumption, to determine impairment.
Officers typically have the discretion to choose which type of test to administer based on the situation. However, the law varies by jurisdiction, and officers must adhere to procedural and legal guidelines when conducting these tests.