Breath Tests

If you are stopped by the police on suspicion of driving while drunk or driving under the influence of drugs (typically referred to as DUI or DWI), the officer may ask you to submit to a breath test, commonly called a ‘Breathalyzer’ test. The purpose of this test is to determine your blood-alcohol content (BAC). In addition, the officer may request consent to a urine and/or blood test.

Where Tests Are Administered

The Breathalyzer test can be administered roadside or at a detention center, at the officer’s discretion, while blood or urine tests can be administered at a health facility or a detention center.

Breath Test Protocol

The officer asks you, the driver, to blow into the machine for a long moment by placing your mouth around a tube attached to a hand-held device. S/he will tell you when you can stop. The machine either provides a result on the screen or on a printout. To learn more about these tests, contact a State Bar certified DUI attorney such as Larry Kohn that is specialized in impaired driving.