A couple of questions

How accurate is an Intoxilyzer?

There is indeed a margin of error when it comes to Breathalyzers. This margin of error can be up to 15%. Around 20% of people charged with a DUI can end up being victims and an inaccurate Breathalyzer test.

Is it possible for a breathalyzer to be wrong?

The results of the test may be used as evidence of an over-the-limit blood alcohol level, but many factors can affect the accuracy of a breath test. In fact, peer-reviewed studies have shown a 50 percent margin of error when comparing breathalyzer results to actual blood alcohol content.

How often are breathalyzers wrong?

Generally, breathalyzer tests are only accurate approximately 40% of the time. Factor into that statistic that the testing equipment itself has an inherent margin of error between . 005 and . 02% in its BAC readings.

Is a breathalyzer 100 accurate?

Breathalyzers are not 100% accurate all the time. Law enforcement and the courts know that they are not always 100% correct and accept the margin of error involved. Unfortunately for you, if you are the subject of the inaccurate test, the police and prosecutors will treat you just like anyone who failed a breath test.

What causes a false positive on a breathalyzer?

What Are Some Of the Factors That May Cause An Inaccurate Breathalyzer Result? Residual mouth alcohol is one of the most common causes of a false positive result. Many things can cause residual mouth alcohol, including most mouthwashes, breath sprays, and cough syrups.

What causes false BAC?

The presence of acid in one's breath or mouth can skew the BAC results to produce a false outcome. As a result, the presence of GERD in an individual may serve as a defense to DUI charges based on Breathalyzer test results.

Do Breathalyzers get calibrated?

Breathlyzers require regular calibration and maintenance to ensure that they deliver results with a sufficient level of accuracy. An improperly calibrated or poorly maintained machine will produce unreliable results that cannot form the basis of a presumption of intoxication under per se DUI laws.

How accurate is alcohol breath test?

There is indeed a margin of error when it comes to Breathalyzers. This margin of error can be up to 15%. Around 20% of people charged with a DUI can end up being victims and an inaccurate Breathalyzer test. The best and most accurate way to accurately test a person's BAC is by doing a blood test.