Close Menu
JustwebworldJustwebworld
  • Astrology
  • Business & Finance
    • Cryptocurrency
    • Make Money
    • Entrepreneur
    • Brands
    • Companies
    • Personal Finance
      • Banking
      • Insurance
      • Trading and Investing
  • Tech
    • Computing
    • Cybersecurity
    • Electronics
    • Android
    • Apple
    • Gadgets
    • Social Media
    • Mobile Apps
    • Softwares
  • Education
    • Vocabulary
    • Abbreviations
    • General Knowledge
    • Writing & Translation
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty & Cosmetics
    • Fashion & Style
    • Furniture & Decor
    • Luxury
    • People & Relationships
    • Pets and Animals
    • Shopping
    • Parenting
    • Gardening
    • Birthdays
  • Health
  • Travel
  • Auto
  • Gaming
  • Food
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Monday, May 19
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
JustwebworldJustwebworld
  • Astrology
  • Business & Finance
    • Cryptocurrency
    • Make Money
    • Entrepreneur
    • Brands
    • Companies
    • Personal Finance
      • Banking
      • Insurance
      • Trading and Investing
  • Tech
    • Computing
    • Cybersecurity
    • Electronics
    • Android
    • Apple
    • Gadgets
    • Social Media
    • Mobile Apps
    • Softwares
  • Education
    • Vocabulary
    • Abbreviations
    • General Knowledge
    • Writing & Translation
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty & Cosmetics
    • Fashion & Style
    • Furniture & Decor
    • Luxury
    • People & Relationships
    • Pets and Animals
    • Shopping
    • Parenting
    • Gardening
    • Birthdays
  • Health
  • Travel
  • Auto
  • Gaming
  • Food
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
JustwebworldJustwebworld
Home » Law

Is A Breathalyzer Test Accurate Enough To Arrest Drivers Under DUI?

Michael AustinBy Michael Austin Law
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram Pinterest Reddit Email WhatsApp
Follow Us
WhatsApp Telegram
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Reddit Telegram WhatsApp

If you have been subjected to a roadside breath test by a cop to find out if you are driving under influence, then you are familiar with the breathalyzer test. This is one major way of finding out drunk drivers and charging them.

Breathalyzer Test

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 1) How does a breathalyzer work?
  • 2) Can you beat a breathalyzer device?
  • 3) Is a breathalyzer test foolproof?
  • 4) Are breathalyzer test results reliable?
    • Conclusion

1) How does a breathalyzer work?

The word ‘breathalyzer’ is formed of two words – breath and analyzer. Breathalyzer is the name given to a handheld device, invented by Robert Frank Borkenstein, that is used by the law enforcement agencies for finding out the concentration of alcohol in the drivers’ blood.

The driver is supposed to blow into a tube that is then analyzed by the device to estimate the blood alcohol concentration (BAC)level. This is calculated by applying a standard formula.

In the US states the legal limit for driving under the influence of alcohol is 0.08 percent. For commercial drivers, this is further reduced to 0.04 percent.

2) Can you beat a breathalyzer device?

Many people think that they can cover their BAC by using breath fresheners, like gums or sprays or even by gargling with mouthwashes. Unfortunately, the amount of alcohol present in the breath just cannot be concealed. This is because BAC above the legal limit of 0.08 percent takes over five-and-a-half hours to be eliminated from the system.

So, no amount of breath fresheners and mouthwashes can hide the BAC. On the contrary, some mouthwashes contain alcohol and may actually inflate the BAC readings!

3) Is a breathalyzer test foolproof?

Over the years, breathalyzer tests have been successfully used in detecting the BAC of drivers. That this process is scientific, foolproof and fair is a foregone conclusion. Right? Wrong!

Also Read: What Is Premises Liability? Your Questions, Answered What Is Premises Liability? Your Questions, Answered

The reality is that a breathalyzer test is neither scientific nor fair. In actuality, this test is not based on any accepted science, since it displays a wide variation in results from person to person.

There have been cases where perfectly sober drivers have been accused and arrested for drunk driving. In other cases, the BAC of drivers driving over the limit have failed to register on the device.

It can be argued that a high BAC is not an accurate indicator of impairment, since alcohol tolerance varies greatly from person to person. This may be true, butis not the subject of this article. This article focuses on the accuracy of a breathalyzer in giving the correct reading of BAC.

A Breathalyzer Test Accurate Enough To Arrest Drivers Under DUI

4) Are breathalyzer test results reliable?

Unfortunately, no. A number of comparative studies have found a margin of error in breathalyzer tests to as much as 50 percent, when compared to actual blood alcohol content! This means that a breathalyzer reading of 0.1 percent BAC, that is above the permissible limit, may actually be ranging between 0.05 to 0.15 percent, when tested in the lab. This reading hardly makes it a case for a drunk driving arrest.

The argument that a breathalyzer test is a reliable indicator of BAC is flawed. This is because BAC detected by this test only indicates the alcohol content in the sample of breath it measures.

It is not an accurate indicator of the alcohol that is actually present in the blood content. And, therefore, it fails to prove alcohol related impairment.

Also Read: What You Need To Know About Aggravated DUI What You Need To Know About Aggravated DUI

However, the BAC reading of a breathalyzer test can be admitted, if the reading is high enough to surpass the inherent 50 percent margin of error, which will indicate an irrefutable presumption of guilt.

However, anything above 0.1 percent and below 0.2 percent comes in the gray area and cannot make a driver liable for drunk driving.

Thus, it proves that BAC, detected by a breathalyzer, is not an accurate indicator of the degree of impairment and should not be used for charging drivers of drunk driving, until further tests are conducted.

Conclusion

Although drunk driving is a menace that results in the injuries and deaths of thousands of people, not to mention the damage and destruction caused to property, the BAC detection of such driversby breathalyzer tests needs to be fair.

In case anyone feels that he or she has been unreasonably charged and arrested for driving under influence due to inflated BAC, approaching a DUI/DWI lawyer will be the best course of action.

Follow on WhatsApp Follow on Telegram
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Telegram WhatsApp Copy Link
Previous Article5 House Cleaning Tips and Tricks That Will Blow Your Mind
Next Article Guardianship of Your Children – What to Know
Michael Austin
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Michael Austin is an expert writer who loves creating engaging and easy-to-understand content. With years of experience, he specializes in writing well-researched articles that inform, inspire, and entertain readers. His clear and simple writing style makes complex topics easy to grasp. Whether it's trending news, helpful guides, or expert insights, Michael’s content is designed to be valuable and SEO-friendly, ensuring it reaches the right audience. Stay connected for his latest articles!

Related Posts

Pamela Jo Bondi: Renowned Legal Expert & Advocate | Former Florida AG Making Waves

Claim Personal Injury After A Collision

Expert Tips for Negotiating A Low-Impact Car Accident Settlement

How Technology Can Help Your Car Accident Case

Tips for Maximizing Compensation In the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

Understanding Liability In A Sideswipe Accident: Key Factors to Consider

Leave A Reply

Categories
Archives

Jose Alvarado NBA 2025: Inspiring Journey, Impressive Stats, Big Contract & Puerto Rico Pride

Who is Hazel Brugger? Top Swiss Comedian, Eurovision Host & Comedy Queen of Europe

Luke Kornet Full Player Profile | Age, Height, Net Worth, Career Stats 2025

Who Is Brent Faiyaz? Age, Songs, Albums, Net Worth & Tour 2025

FaZe Rug Net Worth, Age, Girlfriend, House & Career | Must Read

Happy Father’s Day Wishes & Quotes | Heartfelt Messages, Sayings & Captions for Dad 2025

Why Stewart Vickers Is the Best SEO Expert in the World

Diljit Dosanjh : Latest Songs, Movies, Net Worth, Concerts & Full Biography

Katie Ledecky: Olympic Gold Queen | Records, Career, Net Worth & More!

Best New Clinic Opening Wishes | Heartfelt Messages, Quotes & Blessings to Celebrate Success

DMCA.com Protection Status
Quick Links
Age Calculator
Angel Number Calculator
Case Converter
Sudoku Online
Word Counter
Love Calculator
Useful Links
Number to Words
Period Calculator
Yes-No Picker Wheel
Demon Name Generator
Kingdom Name Generator
Harry Potter Name Generator
Helpful Resources
Colors Name In English
Best Computer Brands
WhatsApp Web
Most Beautiful Beaches
Tesla Cybertruck Review
Richest Actors in the World
Explore More
Good Morning Handsome
Best English Songs of All Time
Cricket World Cup Winners
Ways to Say Rest In Peace
Britain’s Got Talent Winners
American Idol Winners
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube Tumblr LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Threads RSS
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Web Stories
Copyright © 2012-2025. JustWebWorld - All Rights Reserved. | Sitemap

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

×

👇 Bonus Reads for You 🎁

Brownsville Criminal Defense Lawyer
Need A Brownsville Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Avoid DUI Arrest
Things You Shouldn’t Do When Facing a DUI Arrest
What Is The Penalty For A DWI
What Is The Penalty For A DWI In New York State?
Hiring The Best Immigration Lawyers
Why Hiring The Best Immigration Lawyers Is Important When Migrating To The US