Attempting to fool an alcohol breath test is a risky and often ineffective strategy that can lead to serious legal consequences. Although trying to manipulate breathalyzer results can be tempting after a motorist has been pulled over – especially if they know that they’ve had a drink or two recently – it is generally better to let a breath test unfold and to seek guidance and support with the legal aftermath of the situation.
Most people are unaware that attempting to tamper with or deceive an alcohol breath test is illegal. In many jurisdictions tampering with evidence or attempting to deceive law enforcement officers can result in criminal charges above and beyond impaired driving charges. These charges could include obstruction of justice, perjury or tampering with a governmental record, each potentially resulting in severe penalties of their own.
Potential consequences of trying to trick a test
If law enforcement officers suspect that a motorist is attempting to deceive a breath test, they may subject the driver to more rigorous testing procedures. This could include blood tests, which are even more accurate and harder to manipulate than breath tests.
Trying to fool a breathalyzer can also significantly undermine a motorist’s defense in court. Judges and juries are less likely to be sympathetic towards someone who has attempted to cheat the system. This can result in maximum penalties for DUI offenses. Furthermore, a conviction for attempting to tamper with a breath test can have long-term consequences, potentially including higher insurance premiums and a criminal record.
Your attempts won’t work
Many common methods purported to fool a breathalyzer test are not effective. So, even if you tried to alter the results of a breath test, your efforts won’t do you any good. Techniques such as sucking on pennies, eating breath mints or hyperventilating do not alter the chemical composition of alcohol in human breath. Breathalyzers are sophisticated and calibrated to detect even minute levels of alcohol.
While these tests can produce inaccurate results, that is a matter for an attorney to argue, not a result to be achieved by a motorist hoping to avoid trouble.
