A portable personal breathalyzer makes it easy to check your breath alcohol concentration whether you're at home or out and about. It's a smart way to stay safe and accountable while still living your life to the fullest.
Key Takeaways:
- A personal breathalyzer is easy to use and carry around.
- The breathalyzer measures the alcohol in your breath and converts that to a BAC result.
- Using this DUI-prevention tool is a smart way to practice smart drinking and safe driving.
A personal breathalyzer is a practical tool for protecting yourself and others. It gives you accurate information to assess when it’s safe to drive after you’ve been drinking. Learning how to use a breathalyzer is easy. Plus, you can carry your personal device with you so you always have it when you need it.
This guide for using a handheld breathalyzer explains what the device is and how to use it correctly. We’ll discuss when to use a breathalyzer and provide instructions and useful tips. If you’ve recently bought a personal breathalyzer for DUI prevention and accountability, or want to know how one works, you’ll find the answers here. This blog is meant to be informational and not legal advice.
If you’re interested in speaking with a DUI.org specialist about the benefits of using a personal breathalyzer, call us at (877) 246-7808.
What is a Personal Breathalyzer?
A personal breathalyzer is a small alcohol monitoring device. It’s a discreet, pocket-sized device that’s easy to carry with you, so it’s convenient for home breathalyzer use and when you’re out.
A personal breathalyzer works by measuring how much alcohol is on your breath, referred to as your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC). You can then use that information to estimate your BAC, which is the measure that law enforcement uses.
When Can You Use a Handheld Breathalyzer?
A personal breathalyzer enables you to live life to the fullest while taking responsible precautions that prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Here are some instances where you can use a personal breathalyzer:
- Before you drive
- Before spending time with your children
- Before work
- Before using a court-ordered ignition interlock device
Using a personal breathalyzer can benefit both you and other drivers on the road, especially if you can safely perform a BrAC test at home. The device can help you avoid steep fines, penalties, or jail time associated with a DUI. A personal breathalyzer can also help prevent potentially harmful accidents and injury to passengers while protecting other drivers safety when sharing the road. Using your personal breathalyzer device to check your BrAC privately before using the IID can help you avoid violations and lockouts.
If you are a parent whose parental rights are conditional on sobriety, a breathalyzer can be used as a tool to prove your sobriety before and during parenting time, or even daily.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI, DUI.org can help. We offer support and guidance on what to do next. Whether you need help finding affordable SR‑22 or FR‑44 insurance, installing an ignition interlock device, or understanding your next steps, you can call our support specialists at (877) 246-7808 for more assistance.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Using Your Breathalyzer
Learning how to use a breathalyzer is easy. While there are several personal breathalyzers available for purchase, we’re going to highlight one of the devices growing in popularity called Keepr.
Keepr™ is a compact and discreet personal breathalyzer that makes it easy to monitor your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) and track verified results through a connected app.
To use Keepr, just follow these breathalyzer tips:
- If you use an advanced personal breathalyzer like Keepr that works with your smartphone, download the Keepr app and pair it with your device before using it.
- Initiate a test by tapping “Test Now” from the connected app.
- Blow steadily into the mouthpiece for approximately 3-5 seconds, until you hear a click.
- Read your results and act responsibly.
Reading Your Personal Breathalyzer BrAC Results
Your BrAC results will appear on your device or in the app, expressed as a decimal point followed by three digits. Your BrAC results can be used to estimate your BAC. In most states, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC that’s 0.08 or above. The limits for underage drivers and commercial drivers are often lower.
Already facing a DUI charge? Learn more about what happens after you get a DUI.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Personal Breathalyzer
Steer clear of these errors, as doing so can interfere with your results:
- Using the test less than 20 minutes after eating, drinking, or using products containing alcohol.
- Not waiting three minutes between tests.
- Cleaning the breathalyzer with a product containing alcohol.
- Using the device when the temperature is above 104 degrees or below 41 degrees, or when the humidity is above 95% or below 10%.
- Covering the exhaust on the device.
TIP: If you’re getting an error while taking your test, consider moving locations. Find a nearby climate-controlled building or a car with A/C to take your test.
What To Do if Your BAC is Too High
Do not drive if your estimated BAC exceeds the legal limit. Stay where you are until your BAC drops to an acceptable number. Alternatively, walk, get a ride with a friend, use a ride-sharing service, or take public transport.
Are Personal Breathalyzers Accurate?
Top-quality breathalyzer devices can be extremely accurate if you avoid common mistakes that can interfere with the results. If you're wondering how accurate personal breathalyzers are, the answer often depends on proper usage and maintenance. The best practice to maintain your device's accuracy is to keep it calibrated. Different models have different calibration requirements. For best results, refer to your breathalyzer’s instructions for information on how to calibrate your device.
Fuel cell technology is the most reliable and accurate for personal breathalyzers, and it provides results on par with court-approved breathalyzers.
Common Personal Breathalyzer Questions
How large are personal breathalyzers?
Most personal breathalyzers are designed to be compact and portable, easily fitting into your pocket. However, some devices like Keepr, provide even more discretion with a mouthpiece and soft touch cover.
Do courts require personal breathalyzers?
Courts might mandate the use of a personal breathalyzer instead of, or in addition to, other alcohol monitoring systems such as ignition interlock devices or transdermal bracelets. Judges and attorneys may recommend personal breathalyzers because they are more convenient and cost-effective, especially when other monitoring options are not required by law.
How much do personal breathalyzers cost?
Prices for personal breathalyzers can vary widely, from less than $100 to several hundred dollars. Models that use proven fuel cell technology typically cost more, but their enhanced accuracy and compliance with legal standards often justify the investment. When choosing a device, focus on reputable technology to guarantee reliable and accurate readings.
Where can you buy a personal breathalyzer?
Personal breathalyzers are available for purchase both online and at retail stores, including many pharmacies. However, to ensure you receive an authentic and accurate device, it’s recommended to buy directly from the manufacturer’s website. This helps you avoid potential issues caused by improper storage, such as exposure to extreme temperatures.
Drive with Confidence
When you have a convenient, portable personal breathalyzer, you’ll be able to test your BrAC when you’re at home or when you’re out. You’ll know whether your BAC is over the legal limit and can make a more informed decision about whether it is safe for you to drive. Why take any chances when you have access to a personal breathalyzer at your fingertips?
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