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Breath Testing Devices
An early breath testing device was developed in the early 1950's by Robert Borkenstein. This machine was the original ‘Breathalyzer®,’ by which most breath-testing machines are often referred to generically. However, today it is more likely that the machine in use would be the Intoxilyzer 5000®, a more modern portable hand-held device. Other possible brands in use are the:
- Intoximeter®
- Datamaster®
- Draeger®.
The police officer asks the driver to place his or her mouth around a tube on the hand-held device and blow into the tube for a very long breath. The officer tells the driver when to stop. The machine either provides a result on the screen or on a printout.
Infrared light passing through the breathalyzer determines the blood-alcohol content (BAC) in the user’s breath. Each state has a legal maximum blood-alcohol content level.
Breath-testing machines are popular with law enforcement because the results are fairly accurate if administered correctly. Also, they are inexpensive and convenient. While some states do not allow such evidence to be admitted at a trial, it is useful as a guide to officers in determining if a driver should be placed under arrest based on probable cause. Research the DUI lawyers in your area now to protect your rights.
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