When facing a potential breathalyzer test, especially in states with strict DUI laws like Georgia, people may wonder if quick fixes exist to trick the device. One common myth suggests that chewing mint gum can mask the smell of alcohol or somehow influence the breathalyzer’s results.
But is there any truth to this, or is it merely wishful thinking? By exploring how breathalyzer devices work, residents can better understand why mint gum cannot help beat a breathalyzer test.
Understanding how breathalyzers work
To understand why mint gum is ineffective, it’s helpful to know how breathalyzers measure alcohol levels. Breathalyzers don’t detect alcohol based on smell; they measure the amount of alcohol in a driver’s breath to estimate their blood alcohol content (BAC).
When an individual drinks, alcohol gets absorbed into their bloodstream, and as it circulates, it is expelled through their breath. When the driver blows into a breathalyzer, it measures the amount of alcohol molecules in their exhalation.
Most breathalyzer devices used by law enforcement employ infrared spectroscopy or fuel-cell sensors to measure alcohol levels. Because they are detecting specific molecules (ethanol) rather than odor, drivers cannot mask or lower their BAC with:
- Chewing gum
- Breath mints
- Mouthwash
The alcohol content in a diver’s system remains the same, regardless of freshening agents. Drivers should also remember that Georgia operates under an implied consent law. This means that by driving in the state, they automatically consent to submit to a breathalyzer or other BAC test if a law enforcement officer suspects them of DUI.
Breathalyzer devices are designed to detect specific alcohol molecules, and masking agents like mint don’t interfere with their readings. Instead of attempting to beat a breathalyzer test, drivers who find themselves in DUI trouble should enlist legal guidance to fight the charges and advocate for their rights.
