If you’ve been pulled over on the suspicion of impaired driving or you have been courted ordered to have a car breathalyzer, formally known as an ignition interlock device installed in your car, you will need to be able to provide a breath sample.Learn how to do a breath test on an ignition interlock device, plus separate fact from fiction when it comes to beating a breathalyzer test.
When is a breath test required?
Breath tests are required for those suspected of drinking and driving. Law enforcement personnel utilize handheld breathalyzers for the prosecution driving under the influence of alcohol.
If you have been convicted of a DUI, OUI, or DWI related offense, you might be required to submit a breath test to an ignition interlock device (IID) before starting your vehicle. If you’re on probation for an alcohol-related offense, you might be required to use an in-home breathalyzer.
Additionally, commercial breathalyzers provide a convenient, portable way to self-test your breath alcohol levels.
How does a breathalyzer device used by law enforcement work?
A breathalyzer handheld device that will measure your breath to determine alcohol levels and whether they are below the legal limit. To use a portable breathalyzer, the user must blow into the device for a few seconds in a steady stream. The device will indicate when to start and stop but this usually lasts for about 5 seconds. Sensors within a portable breathalyzer will then measure the alcohol level of air in the lungs and supply a Breath Alcohol Content estimate.
What is an ignition interlock device? How does an IID work?
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer that isinstalledin your vehicle to prevent drinking and driving. It is made up of a mouthpiece, a handheld unit which attaches to your vehicle’s ignition system. You are required to blow into the mouthpiece to test your alcohol levels before starting your car. If your BrAC is below the limit set by yourstate, your vehicle will start. If your Breath BrAC is above your state’s limit, your vehicle will not start until you submit a clean, alcohol-free breath sample. Learn more about ignition interlock devices and how they work.
What should someoneknow about breathalyzer tests before taking one?
1. Do you know your state laws and legal limits?
Each state has different BAC (blood alcohol content) limits for drivers. If you have no previous charges, a first drunk driving offense the limit tends to be .08. Utah has a .05 limit, and other states are moving to adopt this limit. If you currently have a restricted license, and have an IID in your vehicle, the legal limit for you is likely lower than for individuals who don’t have restrictions. You can check your states laws by going to thestate requirements pageand entering your zip code or by clicking on your states name at the bottom of the page.
Learn more about the breathalyzer and alcohol limits in your state
2. Do you know the blow pattern?
Different brands of breathalyzers utilize different blow patterns to collect samples. Intoxalock’s breathalyzer uses a blow-breathe-blow pattern. This requires the person providing a sample to blow into the mouthpiece for three seconds, then inhale through the mouthpiece for three seconds, and finally blow back into the mouthpiece for a final three seconds. Other companies require users to perform a blow pattern at the same time that they are also required to hum.
With an Intoxalock device, you will never need to hum to pass a breathalyzer test. The more complicated the breathing pattern the higher the chances are that the person giving them will experience human error. This human error can lead to the breathalyzer registering a missed test which could negatively impact the person giving the sample.
3. How to give a clean breathalyzer sample?
- Avoid Contaminants
Refrain from eating, drinking, or having a cigarette or any other tobacco products for at least 15 minutes prior to submitting your breath sample. Waiting after you’ve eaten or had anything to drink before blowing into a breathalyzer can help ensure an accurate result.
- Avoid Any Products Containing Alcohol
Using mouthwash or any other product that contains ingredients with alcohol can also cause your breathalyzer to register a BAC level. In addition to waiting at least 15 minutes after eating and drinking any non-alcohol products, you can rinse your mouth with plain water to flush out any particles, and make sure to keep your breathalyzer mouthpiece free of debris.
- Responsibility for Positive Samples
It’s important to remember, regardless of the source of alcohol, you are held accountable for every Breath Alcohol Concentration reading that is submitted to your device so be sure to avoid things that will give a positive reading.
4. How to sober up fast before driving?
There are many myths that surround the idea of sobering up quickly such as showering, drinking a lot of coffee, or drinking caffeine. While these things can fight the drowsy effects of alcohol consumption, they will not reduce the level of alcohol in someone’s system. The only thing that can get rid of alcohol levels in the body is the body’s metabolic process, and that will take time.
Can you beat a breathalyzer?
There is multitude of common myths about tricking an ignition interlock device. However, you cannot beat a breathalyzer test, or bypass a breathalyzer device without being reported. The most common tip to beath a breathalyzer is to use mouthwash or a breath mint. However most mouthwashesor mints result in testing positive for a higher level of BrACas they contain alcohol amongtheir ingredients. Learn more about myths concerning breathalyzers and breath alcohol levels in our blog "Debunking Common Myths about Lowering BAC."
Myths About Breathalyzer Blow Patterns
Additionally, there are myths about blowing slower or faster to hyperventilate in the device. Doing thiswon’t work to trick the ignition interlockdevice. Devices have computers that need a certain air pressure for a certain period of time, if those minimums aren’t met, the device will simply request a breath test until the user is breathing normally. If you are using an IID while trying an abnormal breathing pattern, you may get a lockout. Learn more about what could cause a lockout.
How to complete an Intoxalock ignition interlock device breath test
Those with an ignition interlock device must pass a breath test before operating a vehicle. Follow these simple steps to perform a breath test on an Intoxalock ignition interlock device:
- Press the button on the handheld unit
- Wait until the LED displays “Blow” to push a consistent breath of air into the device
- Breathe into the breathalyzer
- Inhale through the device when prompted
- Breathe into the device for the final time when prompted to complete the test
Getstep by step guidance, tips and tricks onhow to usean ignition interlock device
What happens if you fail your first breath sample?
If you are required to take a retest on your car breathalyzer because the first sample detected alcohol or due to inadequate breaths, the ignition interlock device will alert you with a loud beep and a message will be displayed on the LED screen. You will submit a second sample for testing.
Learn more about what can happen if you fail and common device problems
What happens if alcohol is detected during a random retest?
After your car is started, your device will start a countdown for a retest. This is called a random retest. The device will issue a retest at periodic intervals of timeto see if someone is drinking while driving, or to make sure that another person did not submit the blow to start the car for a driver. (Many states require camera IIDs, so drivers attempting to trick the breathalyzerare detected by their monitoring service and found out of compliance.)
If alcohol is detected during aretest, the ignition interlock device will not stop your car while you are driving. Instead, it will give you a signal that you need to stop your vehicle and you will have time to pull off of the road safely and park your vehicle. All samples are reported to state monitoring authorities regardless of the level detected. Learn more about failed ignition interlock samples and state reporting here.
We're Here to Help!
If you need an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle, give us a call at (844) 793-6518. A state representative can walk you through the requirements in your state andwill make sure you have everything you need for an appointment at aninstallation location near you.
Learn more:
- 5 myths about ignition interlock devices
- 5 important facts for a successful ignition interlock retest
- What happens if you refuse a breathalyzer test?
- Are my failed breath samples reported to the sate?
FAQs
How long after drinking can you pass a breathalyzer test? ›
In Your Blood: Up to 6 hours. On Your Breath: 12-24 Hours. In Your Urine: 12-24 Hours.
Can I pass a breathalyzer if I drank the night before? ›The more you drink, the longer the alcohol stays in your system. Generally, a breathalyzer test can test positive for alcohol for up to 12 hours after consuming one alcoholic drink. The average urine test can also detect alcohol 12-48 hours later.
Does drinking water help pass breathalyzer? ›Our research shows that manipulations can alter BrAC readings. Specifically, hyperventilation and drinking water before using the breathalyzer were shown to significantly lower the BrAC readings.
How long does 3 drinks stay in your system breathalyzer? ›Alcohol detection tests can measure alcohol in the blood for up to 6 hours, on the breath for 12 to 24 hours, urine for 12 to 24 hours (72 or more hours with more advanced detection methods), saliva for 12 to 24 hours, and hair for up to 90 days. The half-life of alcohol is between 4-5 hours.
How long does it take to get to 0.00 BAC? ›The only thing that sobers you up is time. After a big night out you may still be over your legal alcohol limit for much of the next day. After a heavy night of drinking, it can take more than 18 hours for your blood alcohol concentration to get back to zero.
How do you make a false negative breathalyzer? ›Some foods may encourage a breathalyzer test to give inaccurate readings. For example, pecans, ripe fruit, energy drinks and protein bars may mess with the test. Further, if you have acid in your stomach from eating a spicy meal, you may not be able to rely on the accuracy of the breathalyzer test.
Is there any way around a breathalyzer? ›There are many myths about tricking a car breathalyzer into believing a person hasn't been drinking. There are many myths about tricking a breathalyzer into believing a person hasn't been drinking. In short, beating a car breathalyzer, formally known as an ignition interlock device (IID), is nearly impossible.
Can toothpaste set off a breathalyzer? ›If you've used a product that contains alcohol, the Breathalyzer might detect the alcohol concentration and report a false positive. Products that contain alcohol include toothpaste, aftershave, hand sanitizer, bleach, mouthwash, perfume and cologne. Even spraying bug repellent on yourself can produce a false positive.
How many drinks does it take to show up on breathalyzer? ›Standard Drinks and BAC
For every one drink, your BAC goes up by about 0.02 percent, so reaching a BAC of 0.08 percent takes about four to five drinks.
Conclusion: We recommend brushing teeth before the 14C urea breath test since it significantly decreased the ambiguous results of the test in our laboratory.
Will 1 beer fail a breathalyzer? ›
Is one beer enough to fail breathalyzer? Thus, one 12-ounce can of beer, one 4-ounce glass of wine, or one normal mixed drink or cocktail are all equally intoxicating, and give the same blood alcohol content (BAC) reading on a breathalyzer.
What neutralizes alcohol on the breath? ›Gargle with an alcohol-containing mouthwash
A good gargle with mouthwash can definitely help mask the smell of booze on your breath temporarily. While most rinses will do the trick, you might get better results from fighting fire with fire.
...
Appearing sober
- Coffee. ...
- Cold showers. ...
- Eating and drinking. ...
- Sleep. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Carbon or charcoal capsules.
Alcohol-based mouthwash products, like Listerine, can cause you to fail a Breathalyzer test for as long as 10 minutes after use. If you're a driver under the age of 21, the effect could last even longer since the blood alcohol content thresholds are even lower for an underage DWI.
Can I pass a breathalyzer after 3 drinks? ›For the average person, it only takes about three or four drinks in one hour to reach a BAC of 0.08. Given the general rule, if your blood alcohol content is at the limit of 0.08, it would go down to 0.065 after one hour.
How fast does BAC drop per hour? ›Alcohol leaves the body at an average rate of 0.015 g/100mL/hour, which is the same as reducing your BAC level by 0.015 per hour. For men, this is usually a rate of about one standard drink per hour.
How long does it take to be 0.0 after 1 drink? ›How do I stay below 0.05? There's no amount of drinking that guarantees you'll stay under 0.05% BAC. It generally takes the body about 1 hour to process 1 standard drink. However, two people can drink the same amount of alcohol and have different BACs.
Can I drive 12 hours after drinking? ›The advice from the police is clear: avoid alcohol altogether if you plan to drive. Because there is no way to speed up how long your body takes to process any alcohol in your system, there's no fail-safe way to guarantee all the alcohol you have drunk will be gone by the time you wake up the next day.
Can peanut butter lower a reading on a breathalyzer test? ›In short, using peanut butter to beat breathalyzer tests isn't an effective solution, and here's why: high levels of sodium found in peanuts and other legume by-products will neutralize ethanol (or alcohol) — but not by much.
Can gum throw off a breathalyzer? ›While mouthwash contains alcohol, mints and gum contain sugar substitutes that can lead to a false positive result.
How many beers is 0.08 alcohol? ›
General Estimates. A 180-lb man may be able to drink 3.5 regular 12-ounce beers in one hour and keep his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) under the legal limit of . 08%.
What should you not eat before a breathalyzer? ›- Spicy Foods. Spicy meals are constantly used as an example that will cause 'false positive' results in Interlocks. ...
- Sugary Foods. One of the most common culprits is yeast. ...
- Fruit & Fruit Drinks. ...
- Vinegar. ...
- Energy Drinks. ...
- Vanilla Extract. ...
- Mouthwash. ...
- Breath Spray.
One of them is that sucking on a penny can disguise alcohol on your breath and fool a breathalyzer. However, this is nothing more than an urban legend that will not help you in the event a police officer pulls you over on suspicion that you are driving while drunk.
What does mouthwash do to a breathalyzer? ›Products such as mouthwash or breath sprays can cause significantly high readings on a breathalyzer because many of these products contain alcohol. For example, Listerine mouthwash contains 27% alcohol.
What is a high alcohol level on breathalyzer? ›What Is A High Breathalyzer Reading? In 49 states, a high breathalyzer rating is anything over 0.08%. In Utah, the legal limit is 0.05%. Individuals are not permitted to drive when over this blood alcohol content level and may be charged and sentenced with a DUI or DWI if they are caught.
Does toothpaste help with alcohol breath? ›Brushing your teeth with toothpaste can help reduce the smell of alcohol. At the same time, just like with mouthwash, it disturbs all the bad bacteria and flushes it out.
How do alcoholics hide the smell? ›Masking the smell of alcohol
A person who regularly hides the amount they drink may always keep mints or chewing gum on their person or in the car. They may also insist on buying mouthwash which, despite being designed to mask bad breath, also contains alcohol.
Breathing patterns can reduce or lower BrAC
As he explains, hyperventilating and breathing deeply can reduce the breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) by 11 percent and 4 percent respectively while holding your breath can actually increase the BrAC reading by 6 to 12 percent.
Caffeine has no effect on the metabolism of alcohol by the liver and thus does not reduce breath or blood alcohol concentrations (it does not “sober you up”) or reduce impairment due to alcohol consumption.
Does drinking water dilute alcohol? ›Water helps to dilute the alcohol in the body while food helps to slow down the body's alcohol absorption. Additionally, the person should immediately stop drinking. As mentioned, it will then take about one hour per alcoholic beverage consumed to sober up.
Does coffee help with a breathalyzer? ›
Caffeine: Drinking coffee may help an individual feel sober, however it has no impact on the breathalyzer machine.
Can you pass a breathalyzer 6 hours after drinking? ›Given the general rule, if your blood alcohol content is at the limit of 0.08, it would go down to 0.065 after one hour. It would take roughly five hours and twenty minutes for your body to completely metabolize the alcohol and eliminate it from the body.
What will your BAC be if you drink 3 beers in 1 hour? ›Three American standard drinks will produce, on average, a blood alcohol concentration of about 0.06.
How many drinks is .025 BAC? ›How many drinks is 0.25 BAC? At 180 pounds, a woman would reach a BAC of around 0.25 by consuming ten drinks in two hours.
Is it OK to drive hungover? ›Whether your BAC is over the legal limit or not, driving while hungover is not a good idea. Recent studies show that even when your BAC returns to 0.0 your body may still be affected by alcohol. This means being hungover could have an impact on your driving that is similar to being drunk.
How many drinks should you not drive after? ›While one to two drinks will usually keep you below the legal limit, any amount of alcohol CAN impact your ability to drive safely, and in ways you may not even realize.
How many after drinking can you drive? ›A small shot of liquor: 1 hour. A pint of beer: 2 hours. A large glass of wine: 3 hours.
What is the highest BAC ever recorded? ›1.480 BAC. After a car crash that resulted in serious injuries, a Polish man's BAC was taken and it was 1.480%. That's the highest BAC ever recorded in known history. Doctors said he survived his brush with death due to drinking, but he later died due to his injuries from the car crash.
How do you pass a breathalyzer in 2 hours? ›You can beat a breathalyzer by hyperventilating, exercising, or holding your breath before you blow. Fact: An often-cited decades-old study found that hyperventilation and vigorous exercise did indeed lower subjects' BAC readings by as much as 10%.