What If the Alcohol Breathalyzers Test Limit Is Exceeded?

What is alcohol test or breathalyzer test?

The alcohol breathalyzers measure the concentration of alcohol in the exhaled alveolar air. The so-called BRAC (Breath Ratio Alcohol Concentration), expressed in milligrams per liter of air.

To put it simply, the alcohol test is a test capable of detecting the alcohol level in the driver's body. Thus, verifying whether he is driving the car while intoxicated.

How does the breathalyzer or alcohol test work?

The alcohol test carries out using this special instrument which is called a breathalyzer. By blowing into the alcohol breathalyzers, the notches rise or fall, depending on how much you have drunk. You can then determine whether the driver of a car is driving while intoxicated or not.

In case the BAC is less than 0.5g / l, it means that everything is fine. You can drive without any problems. If, on the other hand, the alcohol level exceeds this threshold, severe penalties trigger, punishable by law.

The breathalyzer checks by means of the air expelled by the driver

If the device detects traces of alcohol in the driver's oral cavity. It is enough to brush the teeth or drink water for the test result to be negative.

There are even some myths shared among people about ways to circumvent the verification using elements such as vinegar or mouthwash.

I take advantage of this article to make it clear that none of these strategies to “cheat the alcohol breathalyzers” is capable of interfering with the measurement of the device.

But I believe you are wondering why alcohol identifies through the alveolar air. If the drink goes into the stomach when ingested.

How does the Breathalyzer Detect the Presence of Alcohol in the Blood?

How does the breathalyzer work? Understand how the device checks the amount of alcohol in the body

Have you ever wondered what mechanism allows the device to measure the concentration of alcohol present in the body through a puff?

In addition to indicating the presence or absence of alcohol, the alcohol breathalyzers also report the amount of alcohol in milligrams per liter of alveolar air.

Despite being a specialist in Traffic Law, a position that makes me close to the entire traffic universe, I couldn't bring this explanation without help.

The breathalyzer works through chemical reactions

The most well-known devices use potassium diclomate and fuel cell as reagents. To be put into use, the device must approve by INMETRO and undergo periodic review.

To perform the test, the individual must blow on the disposable tube connected to the device for a few seconds. The expelled air will react with the oxygen present in the device through a catalyst, releasing electrons from acetic acid and hydrogen ions.

The electrons then pass through a conducting wire, generating an electric current. Finally, a meter on the device calculates the rate and displays the concentration of alcohol in the body. The greater this electrical current, the higher the blood alcohol level.

Are the alcohol breathalyzers mandatory?

According to the Federal Constitution, the driver has the right not to produce evidence against himself, that is, he cannot force to blow the breathalyzer. However, the driver who refuses to breathe the device will suffer the penalties.

How long does it take for alcohol to leave the body?

There is no exact time because each organism is unique, with different deadlines in relation to the absorption of the drink. According to the Federal Highway Police, alcohol consumption detects by the alcohol breathalyzers up to 12 hours after consumption.

However, there are studies that say that 90% of the alcohol ingested absorbs during the first hour. But you have to be aware, the higher the alcohol content, the longer your body will take to absorb the substance. Therefore, the best option will always be drinking and not driving.

 

Limit Breathalyzer: What is the percentage?

Article 276 of the Traffic Code (CTB) establishes penalties for any amount of alcohol per liter of blood or alveolar air of the driver.

The alcohol breathalyzers predict a positive result when it is equal to or greater than 0.05 milligrams of alcohol per liter of alveolar air. This measurement is established according to a margin of error of 0.04 mg/L related to the measurement of the device.

The consumption of non-alcoholic beer does not appear on the breathalyzer as long as the intake is moderate.

Find out what happens if you refuse to take the test?

The Federal Constitution governs that no citizen obliges to produce evidence against himself.

Therefore, the driver may refuse to blow the alcohol breathalyzers. In this case, he will be subject to the same penalties applied in case of proven drunkenness.

The rule is provided for in article 165-A of the Traffic Code

However, there are other ways to prove drunkenness. For that, the traffic authorities can verify alteration of the psychomotor capacity.

Some of the signs of drinking are:

• somnolence;
• alcohol odor on the breath;
• difficulty in balance and lack of memory;
• Red eyes;
• aggressiveness.

However, for drunkenness to verify, the traffic authority needs to consider more than one of these signs.

What if the alcohol breathalyzers test limit is exceeded?

If the amount of alcohol is greater than that allowed by law, there are situations that may constitute a traffic crime.

Therefore, the breathalyzer test measurement must be equal to or greater than 0.34 mg/L.

In this case, the driver suffers a penalty of detention from six months to three years, in addition to a fine and suspension of the driver's license.

So that you keep in mind the limit established by the breathalyzer test, be aware of these indicators:

• Up to 0.04 mg/L = released conductor;
• Between 0.05 mg/L and 0.33 mg/L = very serious infraction;
• Equal to or greater than 0.34 mg/L = traffic crime.

The breathalyzer test is a way to protect lives in traffic

Therefore, drivers must be careful when ingesting large amounts of this type of drink because the accumulation of low alcohol content detects on the alcohol breathalyzers. So, when buying the drink before driving, keep an eye on the percentage shown on the can.

Drugs that interfere with the test

Some medicines can interfere with the test result, such as homeopathic remedies, as they contain a certain percentage of alcohol. In these cases, as the concentration of the substance is very low, the driver can carry out a retest after 15 minutes.