Can you trick a breathalyzer?!!

Can I cheat a breathalyzer?

With a wealth of information on hand thanks to the Internet all indications point to one reoccurring fact and that is: No – you cannot beat a breathalyzer test.

Many people have tried all the myths and legends associated with beating a breathalyser and unfortunately some of them have actually made the BAC reading higher and others may have slightly lowered the BAC reading but only but such a minuscule amount that it probably wouldn’t help your cause if you are caught drinking and driving.

It has been suggested to use a mouthwash before taking a breath test or smoking a cigarette however these suggestions are more likely to raise your BAC readings, this is due to some mouthwashes having an alcohol content and smoking can higher the level of Acetaldehyde in your lungs which may contribute to a higher BAC reading.  

Eating, drinking coffee or chewing gum before a breathalyser test will make no difference to your BAC reading, neither will sucking on coins containing copper.

There may be a way to slightly lower your BAC reading, and this is to hyperventilate before blowing into the test. This may lower the saturation of alcohol in your breathe in the bottom of your lungs by replacing it with fresh air and this is the air that a breathalyser uses for its reading. When we breathe normally, we don’t generally exhale all the air in our lungs so any air that is still in your lungs will be saturated with alcohol, so by replacing it with fresh air and then blowing into the breathalyser it may result in a slightly lower BAC reading; however this does not always work.

The best way to beat a breathalyser test is to just not drink and drive. If you know you are going to have a few drinks while out appoint a designated driver or make use of public transport.

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