Can You Cheat A Breathalyser Test?

chongyisze
Apr 22, 2019
2 min read

Updated: May 29, 2019

There is a unique chill that travels up our spines when we pass by a roadblock after a night of partying. Breathalyser tests are one test you cannot afford to fail.

You won’t be fine if you don’t pass: a fine and possible jail time is more likely. And just like any test, some people are tempted to cheat. So here’s our handy little guide on how to pass the breathalyser test reliably, 100% of the time.

What NOT to do:

1. Suck on a copper coin

While this myth has been thoroughly debunked, you can use the coin to bribe the police when they arrest you for drunk driving. Just be aware that bribery is also a crime.

2. Drink mouthwash

Your breath might get fresher, but breathalysers measure air from your lungs. In fact, mouthwash can elevate breathalyser readings as mouthwash often contains alcohol.

3. Smoke a cigarette

This would fool a breathalyser: it would give you a higher reading! Try to smoke the machine, and it will smoke you out instead.

What to do:

Don’t drink and drive.

Simple, right?

The truth is, breathalysers are virtually impossible to fool. Even the trickiest lung gymnastics would result in a reduction of less than 0.014.

Now, you can have the same reliability when testing for alcohol at your workplace.

Did you know that pilots who fail the SIA’s random alcohol tests can be fined up to $50,000 and jailed for up to years? SIA’s new zero-tolerance policy came into force after a drunk pilot caused his plane to remain grounded.

If even highly-trained pilots run the risk of abusing their drinks, can you say for certain that your staff and workers are always sober at work?