A breathalyzer test may be a part of the evidence used against an accused driver facing drunk driving charges. A breathalyzer test showing that the accused driver’s blood alcohol (BAC) content level is above the legal limit may form the basis of drunk driving charges.

Challenging a breathalyzer test may be a valuable part of a DUI defense which is why accused drivers should understand how breathalyzer tests work and how they may be challenged. A breathalyzer test is an instrument that measures the accused driver’s blood alcohol content level when they blow into it. To produce reliable results, it is important that the breathalyzer test is properly maintained; if it is not, it may be possible to call into question the reliability of the results it produces.

Breathalyzer tests must be properly maintained and calibrated to produce reliable results. Requirements may vary by state but most states follow general guidelines to ensure a breathalyzer test is in proper working order including that the breath device used must be included on a list of acceptable devices; the breath device must be properly maintained and checked for accuracy at regular and set intervals; the police officer administering the breath test must be certified to administer that particular breath device; the police officer must administer the breath test in accordance with the training they have received; the police officer administering the breath test must ensure that the driver’s bodily functions do not interfere with the test results; and the breath device must capture at least two measurable readings within .02 of one another.

If a breath test device is not properly maintained in proper working order to produce accurate and reliable test results, it may be possible to challenge the breathalyzer evidence being used against the accused individual. DUI charges can be unexpectedly devastating for accused drivers which is why they should be familiar with the different DUI defense options available to help them.