Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime that can lead to severe consequences, including fines, imprisonment and loss of driving privileges. One of the primary methods used to determine whether someone is under the influence of alcohol is using breath-testing devices. These instruments measure the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath.
Many urban legends and myths surrounding breath-testing devices exist. Knowing the facts can help you avoid misleading misinformation and, in turn, getting a DUI.
Myth 1: You can beat the test using mouthwash or breath mints.
Some believe that you can trick the device using mouthwash or breath mints. The idea is that these products will mask the smell of alcohol on your breath, thereby giving a false reading on the test.
However, breath tests measure the amount of alcohol in your breath, not the smell. Plus, mouthwash does not contain enough alcohol to alter results.
Myth 2: You fool the breath test by holding your breath.
The idea behind this myth is that if you hold your breath long enough, you can eliminate the alcohol in your bloodstream, and the test will come back negative. Breath tests do not measure the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. Holding your breath will not affect the accuracy of the device.
Myth 3: You can change the test by exhaling through your nose.
You might hear that exhaling through your nose will “fool” the breath test. People believe the device will not accurately measure your breath coming through your nose instead of your mouth. However, the test results remain the same regardless of whether you exhale through your mouth or nose.
Many myths and urban legends surrounding DUI breath testing exist, so inform yourself to avoid misinformation and potentially failing a breath test.