If Minnesota law enforcement stops you for suspicion of driving under the influence, chances are you may get asked to take a breath alcohol test. The test measures your alcohol level to see whether it meets or exceeds the legal limits. The test results help determine whether you get charged with a DUI or DWI, so it is important to know whether these tests are reliable.
WebMD cites several factors that affect the results of a breath alcohol test. For instance, if you use breath freshener or mouthwash before taking the test it can elevate the numbers. The reason is that these and similar products contain alcohol. Also, drinking alcoholic beverages at least 15 minutes before the test can cause the numbers to rise.
There are several other factors that can compromise BAT results. These include eating high-protein food and consuming large amounts of alcohol within an hour. Additionally, there are physical factors such as gender and weight that make a difference. For example, it takes longer for women to absorb alcohol because of the lower water content in their body. On the other hand, men have more enzymes in the stomach, which allows the body to absorb alcohol at a faster rate.
The blood alcohol content level is 0.08%. If you take an alcohol a breath-alcohol test that reads that or higher you may get arrested and charged with a DUI or DWI. If you suspect results are not accurate, it may be wise to speak with an attorney.
While this information is not legal advice, it can help you understand the process and what to expect.