What Can Cause a False Positive Breathalyzer Test

A false positive alcohol breath test does not prevent you from getting arrested and being hit with fees for processing or releasing your car from impound. In fact, registering a false positive on a breathalyzer practically guarantees you will face those negative consequences, along with possible employment problems if your job requires you to maintain a clean driving record and regularly pass alcohol and drug screenings.

Calculating an overall breathalyzer false positive rate is not possible because police use an array of devices that employ different methods to detect alcohol on a person’s breath. What no one disputes, however, is that every breath testing device and method has a margin of error.

Generally, a breathalyzer result can only be judged accurate to within .01 of actual blood alcohol concentration. This means that a 25-year-old who registers a BAC of .08 on a breath test could have an actual BAC of .07, which is legal for driving.

False positive breathalyzer results really become a problem for younger drivers and commercial drivers. Ohio sets the following legal limits for different types of drivers:

• .02 for drivers younger than 21
• .04 for truck and bus drivers older than 21
• .08 for drivers older than 21 who use their own vehicles

Registering the applicable BAC in Ohio is called operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) per se. Regardless of whatever else a police officer or state trooper observed, being at or over the legal limit for BAC warrants a drunk driving arrest and charge. Of course, due to the margin of error, a teenager could have a positive alcohol breath test despite having consumed no alcohol at all.

Officers are on the lookout for anyone operating a vehicle under the influence and routinely pull over more drivers than face arrest. Law enforcement officials are trained to look for those who are swerving, driving erratically, or showing signs of intoxication. This helps them gather the reasonable suspicion needed to perform a traffic stop and administer a portable Breathalyzer test. The portable test carried in patrol cars only monitors for the presence of alcohol in your breath and does not provide a reliable enough reading to be accepted in court. A false positive breathalyzer test will still provide officers with enough evidence to charge you with a DUI and arrest you. The officer will take you to the station to process you for drunk driving or release you to a responsible party and still charge you with the offense.

What besides alcohol can set off a breathalyzer?

So, what besides alcohol can set off a breathalyzer and trigger a DUI/OVI charge? Excuses for “failing” a breathalyzer include keeping your breath fresh, using certain mediations and being subjected to testing with a poorly calibrated device. Let’s take a brief look at each category of what can cause a false breathalyzer reading in more detail.

Those who are involved in a traffic stop and blow a false positive breathalyzer test are often faced with the embarrassment of arrest, court costs, and impound fees among others. Before you hit the roads, you should understand the types and cause a false positive on a Breathalyzer test that trigger.

• Breath Spray
• Mouthwashes
• Asthma inhalers
• Hot Sauce
• Gum
• Energy drinks
• Over-the-counter drug
• Ripe fruit
• Cold medicine
• Protein bars
• Diet
• Dish
• Fruit and juice
• Honey bun
• Oral gels
• Vanilla extract
• Vinegar
• Cinnamon rolls
• Fermented soda
• Food
• Health conditions
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Ketones
• Breathalyzer

Common Reasons for a False Positive on a DUI Breathalyzer Test

Mouthwash Often Contain Alcohol

If you swish mouthwash before you leave the house, you may be setting yourself up for a false positive alcohol breath test. Glance at the ingredients next time you use mouthwash and you will learn that mixture has a pretty high alcohol content. Manufacturers are now creating mouthwash and fluoride rinses without alcohol, but you can never be too careful. When you have a high concentration of alcohol in your mouth before you take the test, you are more likely to blow a false positive breath alcohol test. The portable false positive breathalyzer test measures the amount of alcohol in your breath, which can be skewed if you have mouth alcohol in addition to any alcohol you exhale from your lungs. If you are stopped by an officer after recently swishing mouthwash, you should not agree to perform a Breathalyzer test. Contrary to what the officer may tell you, you cannot have your driver’s license suspended for refusing the portable Breathalyzer test at a traffic stop. A trained Madison County, OH DUI attorney can help to clarify exactly what tests drivers must comply with during a traffic stop.

Menthol

Similarly, any mints, gum, cough drops, or tobacco may seem like they would freshen your breath but they can cause a false positive. Some brands have a sugar substitute like sorbitol or menthol, which triggers a false response. Each situation is different, which is why contacting a DUI attorney is always your best option. Not only will a Madison County DUI lawyer know the law, the attorney will understand the very real possibility of false positives and how to defend them in court.

Sugar substitutes and flavorings like sorbitol and menthol in chewing gum and dipping tobacco can also coat the inside of your mouth with surprisingly high amounts of alcohol. The alcohol or alcohol-like substance does not enter your bloodstream in amounts sufficient to cause intoxication and impaired driving, but the fumes will surely get detected by a breathalyzer.

Here, it is worth noting that Ohio gives drivers the right to refuse breath-alcohol tests immediately following a traffic stop. In fact, state and county courts do not recognize the validity of BAC results obtained with portable testing devices. At the same time, a police officer can make the decision to take a driver into custody on suspicion of drunk driving after administering a roadside breath test. Most drivers would be wise to say no when asked to blow into a tube while standing beside their car or truck.

Cough and Cold Meds & Topical Pain Relievers Can Trigger False Positives

Preparations like Anbesol for tooth and gum pain, as well as over-the-counter liquids like Robitussin and Nyquil, can cause people to blow false positives. It would difficult to use any such nonprescription medication in the amounts necessary to get drunk, but the alcohol in the mixtures does stay on one’s breath for a while.

It’s a good idea to avoid driving while taking OTC cough and cold medicines, anyway. Other ingredients besides alcohol can cause drowsiness, which can be interpreted as drunkenness.

Poorly Calibrated Breathalyzers Do Injustices to Drivers

Devices used to test BAC must be service regularly and carefully adjusted to the conditions in which they are used. Portable handheld breath-test kits also expire. Mistakes by officers, defects in manufacturing, or simply age may cause a device registering higher amounts of alcohol on person’s breath than is actually in his or her system. A false reading would then lead to an unjustified arrest and an unwarranted charge.

One key factor is calibration. If the officer sets the machine incorrectly, he or she may arrest multiple people without trustworthy evidence. Remember that the portable Breathalyzer is a machine that needs regular maintenance and upkeep to maintain its effectiveness. Without routine calibration, officers could make arrests that cannot be backed up in court, often inconveniencing innocent citizens.

A trained Ohio DUI lawyer will understand the science behind the portable Breathalyzer test and know what types of calibration questions to ask. If you suspect you were arrested because of a poorly calibrated portable Breathalyzer test, contact a DUI lawyer to fight for your rights.

Poorly Controlled Diabetes Can Produce False Positive Breath Tests

People who suffer from diabetes often experience a buildup of excess acetone in their bodies. Yes, this is the same chemical in nail polish remover, and it is easily detected by a breath-testing device. Some devices cannot clearly distinguish acetone from alcohol

Medication can Affect Breathalyzer Test

Some medications interfere may cause of a false positive Breathalyzer test. Any medication that is applied inside the mouth may contain alcohol that could alter the accuracy of the test. If you use Anbesol to relieve the toothache or canker sore pain, you may blow a false positive on a portable Breathalyzer test. The machine will detect the medication rather than your blood alcohol and you could face the inconvenience of arrest and an impounded vehicle.

Be very careful in the winter as many of the treatments for cold and flu symptoms contain alcohol that may cause a false positive Breathalyzer test. This is especially true for cold or flu remedies containing menthol. Be cautious when medicating yourself before your drive. When driving with a cold, you may appear impaired, so officers pulling you over may want to bolster their suspicion by administering a portable Breathalyzer test.

Additionally, diabetics can blow a depending on their blood sugar level. Many diabetics have acetone levels higher than the average non-diabetic, which can cause a false positive when tested. This occurs when an older machine is used that cannot differentiate between alcohol consumed and ethyl alcohol. Every situation is different so be sure to provide your DUI attorney with as much information as possible so your lawyer can prepare a strong defense.

No matter what can make you fail a breathalyzer besides alcohol, a false positive on a portable Breathalyzer test can cost you time and money. Understanding some of the ways that you can trigger a false positive breathalyzer test will help you know what to do when you are falsely accused of drinking and driving. Your next step is to hire a trusted Madison County, Ohio DUI attorney. With an attorney trained in DUI defense, you can rest well knowing you have a strong defense prepared to rebut any of the false positives that led to your arrest. The science behind a DUI trial can be complex, so put your trust in a DUI defense attorney who understands the intricate nature of DUI law.

If you or someone you know has been accused of false positive on a breathalyzer test, contact The Maher Law Firm today. With years of experience, The Maher Law Firm can act as an effective advocate for your rights. Call 614-205-2208 today or contact us online to for your free consultation.

Common Excuses for Failing a Breathalyzer Test

When faced with the reality of failing a breathalyzer test, many individuals resort to offering excuses in an attempt to justify the results or avoid the legal consequences. Here are some of the most common excuses used:

1. Mouthwash Use: Some claim that they recently used mouthwash containing alcohol, which can potentially lead to elevated breath alcohol levels. However, this excuse is often scrutinized, as the amount of alcohol in mouthwash is typically minimal and dissipates quickly.

2. Food with Alcohol Content: Another excuse is that the individual consumed food containing alcohol, such as desserts or sauces. While it’s true that some foods can contain trace amounts of alcohol, the quantities are generally too small to significantly impact breathalyzer readings.

3. Burping or Belching: Some individuals argue that they burped or belched shortly before the breathalyzer test, which may have introduced residual alcohol vapor into their mouth and skewed the results. However, this excuse is generally considered weak, as breathalyzers are designed to measure deep lung air, not just mouth air.

4. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux or diabetes, have been cited as potential causes for false positive breathalyzer results. However, these claims are often met with skepticism and require substantial evidence to be considered valid defenses.

5. Faulty Equipment: In some cases, individuals may claim that the breathalyzer equipment itself was faulty or improperly calibrated, leading to inaccurate readings. While equipment malfunctions can occur, law enforcement agencies typically follow strict maintenance and calibration protocols to ensure accurate results.

6. Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as paint fumes or gasoline vapors, has been used as an excuse for failing a breathalyzer test. However, these claims are generally considered implausible, as the concentrations required to significantly impact the results are typically much higher than what would be encountered in everyday situations.

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