Guide on Taking the Breath Analyzer Test

Although a driver can refuse a breath analyzer test, he should be aware of the ramifications of such refusal. It is a good idea not to refuse this test. Florida imposes a much longer license suspension for people who refuse it. In case you face this test, here is a guide on how to take it.

1. Do not trick the machine. People are made to believe that a breath analyzer machine can be tricked by putting a coin in your mouth or blowing and stopping or just pretending to blow. The machines have sensors that can determine whether a driver taking the test is messing up with it. If you trick the machine, this could be considered a refusal.

2. Do not hold your breath before you blow into the machine. If you hold your breath, it warms up in your lungs. You should takes several deep breaths and let them completely out. This could lower the temperature of the breath, thus lowering the alcohol content of your breath. Take a normal breath and do not hold it before you blow into the machine.

3. Blow into the machine normally. Blow steadily.

4. Blow for at least seven seconds then stop blowing. Police officers conducting the test usually tell you to keep blowing or to blow they tell you to stop. Their goal is to get the highest possible reading which could be a result of increased temperature. Over blowing is a tactic they employ to manipulate test results.

5. Blow again if police officers told you to. Police officers often get the average of the results, so they may ask you to blow again. If you refuse to blow, they will note it as a refusal.

6. You must be attentive of the procedures before the test is conducted. Police officers administering the test should observe you for 15 to 20 minutes to see that nothing goes in your mouth that could contaminate the test. Pay attention during this time period. Are the police secretly talking to one another behind your back? Are they talking to somebody on the phone? What are they doing? Is there a video camera in the room? The criminal defense lawyer will ask these questions later.

7. It is better to not talk to police officers. There is nothing you can say that will help your case. Talk to a DUI lawyer as soon as you can because a lawyer knows how to defend your legal rights and protect your freedom.