The police may use a urine, blood or breath test to test a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC). BAC is the amount of alcohol found in the body at the time of testing. While blood tests are typically the most accurate, breath tests are often preferred because they can be done without having to change locations.
A breath test is a small portable device with a tube. The driver blows into the tube and the device tests their BAC. If the reading is above the legal limit, the driver may be charged with a DUI.
If you’re learning about breath tests, here’s two more things you should know:
Do you have to take a breath test?
It’s often believed that breath tests are optional. However, under implied consent laws, a driver must take a chemical sobriety test or they could face severe charges after an arrest. Implied consent laws are automatically accepted once a driver applies for a driver’s license.
Can breath tests be tricked?
Many issues that people face when taking breath tests is that they may try to trick the results. Some common ways include:
- Drinking coffee to suppress alcohol in the body
- Sucking on a penny to make a breath test reading go too high
- Using mints, gum or mouthwash to hide the smell of alcohol
However, these tricks don’t work for various reasons. Drivers should avoid trying these methods or a DUI charge could be guaranteed.
Drivers who believe their legal rights were violated during a traffic stop may need to learn more about their legal defense options.