What causes false positives on Breathalyzers?

If officers fail to calibrate the test correctly, you could receive a false-positive reading. 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.

What medications can cause a false positive on a breathalyzer?

It has been well-established that the following medications and substances can cause false positives for BAC in breath testing:

Asthma medications.
Nyquil and OTC medications with alcohol.
Anbesol in Oral Gels.
Mouthwash and Breath Spray.
Fumes.
Gastroesophageal Acid Reflux.
Ketones.

Can breathalyzer be wrong?

Even breathing into the breathalyzer equipment with short breaths can produce inaccurate readings, leading to you unjustly being charged with a DUI.

Can Breathalyzers be wrong?

The results of the test may be used as evidence of an over-the-limit blood alcohol level, but many factors can affect the accuracy of a breath test. In fact, peer-reviewed studies have shown a 50 percent margin of error when comparing breathalyzer results to actual blood alcohol content.

What can cause a false positive on a breathalyzer?

Certain brands of toothpaste, mouthwash, aftershave, breath mints, and cough syrups have at least some alcohol in them. Some foods – ripe fruits, protein bars, energy drinks, pecans, macadamia nuts, and many others – have also been known to cause a false positive breathalyzer test result.

What happens if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test?

If you are stopped by an officer after recently swishing mouthwash, you should not agree to perform a Breathalyzer test. Contrary to what the officer may tell you, you cannot have your driver’s license suspended for refusing the portable Breathalyzer test at a traffic stop.

When to go to the police for a breathalyzer test?

If you feel unsafe you may ask the policeman to accompany you to the nearest police station. A breathalyzer test will normally only be administered if the officer has good reason to believe you are driving under the influence and should form part of a comprehensive field sobriety test.

What can cause a false positive on a DUI test?

Common Reasons for a False Positive on a DUI Breathalyzer Test 1 Fresh Breath. 2 Calibration of Breathalyzer. 3 Medication can Affect Breathalyzer Test.

What causes a false positive on a breath test?

If you take a breath test after an airbag has deployed in an accident, the Tyndall effect, also known as Tyndall scattering, can cause a false positive, or add to existing low levels of alcohol to show a higher reading. The Tyndall effect happens when a light is scattered by particles.

When is an airbag accident a false positive for DUI?

Airbag accident DUI false positive: If there has been a DUI with an accident where the airbags have deployed, and the driver of the vehicle was later breath tested, and arrested for DUI, there can be an airbag false positive for DUI. Our Orange County DUI Attorneys have handled many DUI cases over two decades, including cases involving an accident.

What kind of breath test does Phil Price use?

In fact, Phil Price, an Alabama DUI attorney, tested bread as a source of false readings by eating bread and using one of the most commonly used breath test devices on the market, the Intoxilyzer 5000.

How to prepare for a DMV interlock hearing?

Preparing for the hearing is very important, the interlock providers have all of the logs and documents. You can request the violation report and the log from the day the alleged violation took place. The providers will send you copies of the documents for a fee, they usually do not require a subpoena.