About Me

Tags

Latest Posts

Search

Three Reasons You May Have Had A False Breathalyzer Reading

by Gene Vasquez

If you are pulled over and a police officer suspects you may be drunk, they may ask you to take a breathalyzer test. A breathalyzer test can measure the alcohol content on your breath, and in turn, give a reading as to what your blood alcohol content may be. If you have not been drinking, you may have no issue submitting to this test. However, you may be shocked if you blow a higher reading than you suspected, or worse, are arrested for a DUI. Here are three common reasons why you may have had a false breathalyzer reading. 

You Used Mouthwash Within a Short Time Span of the Breathalyzer Being Administered

One of the reasons why you may have had a false breathalyzer reading is because you used mouthwash within a short time span of having the breathalyzer test. Many mouthwash products contain alcohol. In addition to mouthwash products, there are also some strips or drops that freshen your breath that may also contain alcohol. The alcohol in these products typically burns off fairly quickly, but if you recently freshened your brush or swished some mouthwash around in your mouth, a breathalyzer may detect the alcohol in the product. 

You Are a Diabetic Struggling to Maintain Your Blood Sugar Level

Struggling to maintain and control your diabetes has many unwanted health consequences. But one of the consequences that many people are unaware of is that having uncontrolled or poorly maintained diabetes can result in your body producing acetone. Breathalyzer tests often mistake acetone for alcohol, and as such, some diabetics may have a false result from a breathalyzer test due to their health condition. 

You Have Taken Cough Syrup or Cold Medications

Finally, if you have taken cough syrup or common cold medications, such as NyQuil, you may produce a false positive breathalyzer test. Many cough syrups and cold products contain alcohol. It is important to note that if you take these medications, you can be charged with driving while intoxicated if you are not able to safely operate a vehicle while under the influence of the medication. 

If you have had a false breathalyzer reading, it is important to hire a DUI attorney as quickly as possible. When possible, you want your blood drawn so that you can show that you do not have a high blood alcohol content, or even any blood in your alcohol. A DUI attorney work to show why you may have had a positive breathalyzer test when in reality, you were not drinking or did not have a blood-alcohol level above the legal level to drive. Consult with a DUI attorney if this is a position that you have found yourself in. 

Share