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We’ve all heard so many stories about how to beat a breathalyzer test. Truthfully, I used to believe many of them. Probably because I wanted to believe these breathalyzer myths. But the drunk-driving legal experts at George Law (202.470.4300) are here to tell you the truth.
Fiction #1
Breath fresheners, breath mints, and mouthwash will mask alcohol and lower the readings on your breathalyzer test.
Fact #1
Look both ways before you gargle! Breath fresheners such as gum, mints, or sprays can help cover up the odor, but they cannot change the amount of alcohol present in your breath. Heck, Some mouthwash even contains alcohol! This can increase the readings on your breathalyzer test.
Fiction #2
You can beat a breathalyzer test by sucking on a penny.
Fact #2
You’ve probably heard this breathalyzer myth numerous times. But it is completely false. Placing a copper penny or any other form of currency under your tongue does not reduce your breathalyzer result. Nor do other supposed elixirs, such as herbal formulas, charcoal pills, garlic, or snake oil.
Fiction #3
Breathalyzers don’t work as well on smokers as they do on non-smokers.
Fact #3
Let me get technical on you — acetaldehyde is an organic compound that occurs at much higher levels in smokers’ lungs than in non-smokers’ lungs. If your cop is using a lower-cost semiconductor breathalyzer, your results may be affected if you have exceptionally-high acetaldehyde levels. But, Professional Grade BACtrack Breathalyzers are not affected at all. BACtrack’s Professional Grade units, which utilize the same technology law enforcement officers use, are sensitive enough not to be thrown by this compound.
Fiction #4
You can beat a breathalyzer by hyperventilating, exercising, or holding your breath before you blow into the machine.
Fact #4
Years and years ago, a study – one that is often cited — found that by hyperventilating or vigorously exercising, you could reduce your BAC reading by as much as 10%. Conversely, though, by holding your breath, you could actually increase your BAC readings by up to 20%.
Unfortunately, these activities could leave you light-headed and gasping for air – behavior that would undoubtedly capture a cop’s attention who already suspects that you are under the influence of alcohol. Moreover, not blowing hard into a breathalyzer will do you little good. The air pump technology present in BACtrack Professional Grade Breathalyzers can provide accurate BAC readings even with small breath samples.
Fiction #5
Preliminary breathalyzer-test results can be used in court.
Fact #5
Cops use breathalyzers as preliminary-roadside-screening tools to help them assess drivers who they suspect are drunk. Breath-test results may help the officer determine if you should be arrested for suspicion of drunk driving, but results are not always admissible in court.
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Fiction #6
Breathalyzers only measure alcohol – and nothing else.
Fact #6
Substances that contain small amounts of alcohol can produce false positives; e.g., some mouthwashes and toothache medicines. Moreover, some personal breathalyzers may measure compounds that are similar in molecular structure to alcohol, such as acetone, which is present in the breath of diabetics and persons on high-protein diets. False results can also be triggered by paint fumes, varnish, cleaning chemicals that contain rubbing alcohol, and some plastics and adhesives.
Fiction #7
Breathalyzers are 100% accurate.
Fact#7
All commercial breathalyzer products can reliably determine if alcohol is present in a breath sample. But the accuracy of breath test results can vary substantially. Breathalyzer models are generally divided into two categories: (i) for personal use, and (ii) for professional use.
Professional-grade breathalyzers offer extremely high accuracy and sensitivity, and employ the same advanced-fuel-cell-sensor technology that is used by law enforcement for roadside alcohol testing. Because prices for fuel cell devices have come down in recent years, they are increasingly popular for personal use. Breathalyzers that use semiconductor sensors are usually associated with personal use. All breathalyzers must be calibrated periodically in order to maintain accuracy, and failure to do so can affect BAC readings.
Fiction #8
The drunk-driving lawyer you hire makes no difference to your results.
Fact #8
Your lawyer can make a HUGE difference. Call the experienced drunk-driving lawyers are George Law (202.470.4300). They have been the best for years. Put then on your side.