When pulled over for DUI, can you trick a breathalyzer? Many believe that coffee, cold showers or even chewing gum can lower your blood alcohol content (BAC) quickly. However, the reality is that these common sobering attempts are unlikely to sway the results of a breathalyzer test and impact your DUI defense.
The science behind breathalyzers
Breathalyzers measure the alcohol in your breath, which directly correlates to your BAC. Modern breathalyzers detect alcohol molecules in your exhaled breath. Your body eliminates alcohol at approximately 0.015% per hour, a rate no quick fix can accelerate.
Common myths that do not work
People try numerous methods to beat breathalyzer tests, but science proves these attempts futile:
- Drinking coffee only creates an alert drunk person.
- Eating bread or fatty foods might slow alcohol absorption but will not lower existing BAC.
- Mouthwash or breath mints often contain alcohol, potentially increasing your reading.
- Hyperventilating or exercising briefly will not significantly reduce BAC.
- Penny-sucking has zero effect on breathalyzer results.
Only time can effectively lower your BAC. Relying on quick fixes can lead to overconfidence and poor decision-making.
Pennsylvania DUI laws
Pennsylvania enforces tiered BAC penalties that increase in severity. A BAC of 0.08% constitutes legal intoxication for most drivers. Commercial drivers face a stricter 0.04% limit, while drivers under 21 have a 0.02% threshold.
Pennsylvania has implied consent laws for drivers. By getting a license or driving in Pennsylvania, you automatically agree to take chemical tests if police suspect you of DUI. If you refuse to do so, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended, often for longer periods than a DUI conviction itself.
Your best defense strategy
Often, the most reliable way to avoid a breathalyzer failure is to avoid drinking before driving. Still, if you encounter DUI charges, an experienced attorney becomes your most valuable asset. They can contest the results of the breathalyzer test or explore other defense strategies.