How to Pass a Breathalyzer Test After Drinking (2024)

A breathalyzer handheld device that will measure your breath to determine alcohol levels and whether they are below the legal limit. To use a portable breathalyzer, the user must blow into the device for a few seconds in a steady stream. The device will indicate when to start and stop but this usually lasts for about 5 seconds. Sensors within a portable breathalyzer will then measure the alcohol level of air in the lungs and supply a Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) estimate.

Learn More

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer that is installed in your vehicle to prevent drinking and driving. It is made up of a mouthpiece, a handheld unit which attaches to your vehicle’s ignition system. You are required to blow into the mouthpiece to test your alcohol levels before starting your car. If your BrAC is below the limit set by your state, your vehicle will start. If your BrAC is above your state’s limit, your vehicle will not start until you submit a clean, alcohol-free breath sample.

Learn More

Each state has different BAC (blood alcohol content) limits for drivers. For a first drunk driving offense, the limit tends to be .08, but some states, like Utah, have a .05 limit, with other states moving to adopt this limit. If you currently have a restricted license, and have an IID installed in your vehicle, the legal limit for you is likely lower than for individuals who don’t have restrictions.

View State Requirements

Different brands of breathalyzers utilize different blow patterns to collect samples. Intoxalock’s breathalyzer uses a blow-breathe-blow pattern, requiring you to blow into the mouthpiece for three seconds, then inhale through the mouthpiece for three seconds, and finally blow back into the mouthpiece for a final three seconds. Other companies may require simultaneous blowing and humming.

With an Intoxalock device, you will never need to hum to pass a breathalyzer test. Complicated breathing pattern increase the chances likeihood of human error, which can result in the breathalyzer registering a missed test. Such errors could negatively impact the person giving the sample.

Watch How To Videos

• Avoid Contaminants:Refrain from eating, drinking, or having a cigarette or any other tobacco products for at least 15 minutes prior to submitting your breath sample. Waiting after you’ve eaten or had anything to drink before blowing into a breathalyzer can help ensure an accurate result.
• Avoid Any Products Containing Alcohol:Using mouthwash or any other product that contains ingredients with alcohol can also cause your breathalyzer to register a BAC level. In addition to waiting at least 15 minutes after eating and drinking any non-alcohol products, you can rinse your mouth with plain water to flush out any particles, and make sure to keep your breathalyzer mouthpiece free of debris.
• Responsibility for Positive Samples:It’s important to remember, regardless of the source of alcohol, you are held accountable for every Breath Alcohol Concentration reading that is submitted to your device so be sure to avoid things that will give a positive reading.

There are many myths that surround the idea of sobering up quickly such as showering, drinking a lot of coffee, or drinking caffeine. While these things can fight the drowsy effects of alcohol consumption, they will not reduce the level of alcohol in someone’s system or help you pass a breathalyzer test. The only thing that can get rid of alcohol levels in the body is the body’s metabolic process, and that will take time.

Read More

Myths about blowing slower or faster to hyperventilate in the device won’t work to trick the ignition interlock device. Devices have computers that require specific air pressure for a set time. If those minimums aren’t met, the device will simply request a breath test until the user is breathing normally. Attempting abnormal breathing patterns can result in a lockout.

Learn About Lockouts

If you are required to take a retest on your car breathalyzer because the first sample detected alcohol or due to inadequate breaths, the ignition interlock device will alert you with a loud beep and a message will be displayed on the LED screen. You will submit a second sample for testing.

Learn More

After your car is started, your device will start a countdown for a retest. This is called a random retest. The device will issue a retest at periodic intervals of timeto see if someone is drinking while driving, or to make sure that another person did not submit the blow to start the car for a driver. (Many states require camera IIDs, so drivers attempting to trick the breathalyzerare detected by their monitoring service and found out of compliance.)

If alcohol is detected during a retest, the ignition interlock device will not stop your car while you are driving. Instead, it will give you a signal that you need to stop your vehicle and you will have time to pull off the road safely and park your vehicle. All samples are reported to state monitoring authorities regardless of the level detected.

Learn More

Find a Location Call Now 877-272-5195