Top 30 Honest Excuses For Failing Breathalyzer

In this list, we’re giving you 30 common explanations for why someone might fail a breathalyzer test. These aren’t meant to encourage drunk driving or irresponsible behavior but to shed light on factors that can affect breathalyzer results.

From things like using mouthwash or certain medical conditions to problems with the device’s calibration and testing procedure, understanding these reasons can help you be aware of what might lead to a failed test. So, if you want to stay informed about why breathalyzer results might not always be accurate, keep reading.

Here are the Top 30 Honest Excuses For Failing a Breathalyzer.

1. Mouthwash Mishap

Ever rinsed your mouth with mouthwash right before a breathalyzer test? Well, that could be your reason for a false positive. Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, and even a small swish can trigger the breathalyzer. Be cautious and avoid using alcohol-based mouthwash right before driving or testing.

2. Heartburn Havoc

Heartburn or acid reflux can wreak havoc on a breathalyzer reading. When stomach acid bubbles up, it can introduce alcohol fumes into your mouth, giving a false high reading. If you’ve recently had a spicy meal or suffer from heartburn, consider waiting a bit before taking the test.

3. Medication Mix-Up

Certain medications, like cough syrups or cold remedies, contain alcohol or other substances that mimic alcohol on a breathalyzer. Always check your medication labels and consult your doctor about potential interactions before taking a breathalyzer test.

4. Breath Freshener Blunder

Using breath fresheners with alcohol content can be a trap. They may freshen your breath but also increase your BAC reading. Opt for alcohol-free breath fresheners if you want to stay minty fresh without the risk.

5. Fermented Foods

Love your sauerkraut or kombucha? Fermented foods can sometimes produce trace amounts of alcohol during digestion, which might show up on a breathalyzer. If you’re a fan of fermented goodies, consider timing your indulgence accordingly.

6. Diabetes Dilemma

People with diabetes might experience acetone breath, a byproduct of the body burning fat. This acetone can register as alcohol on a breathalyzer. If you have diabetes, inform the testing officer about your condition to avoid misunderstandings.

7. Dental Work Disturbance

Recent dental work like fillings or crowns can release tiny particles that may contain alcohol, potentially affecting the breathalyzer reading. If you’ve had recent dental work, it’s worth mentioning to the testing officer.

8. Breath Strip Surprise

Those cool breath strips can be tricky. Some contain alcohol, and if you’ve recently used one, it could lead to an inaccurate reading. Switch to non-alcoholic versions if you plan on taking a breathalyzer test.

9. High-Protein Diets

Following a high-protein diet can lead to a buildup of acetone in your body, which might register on the breathalyzer as alcohol. If you’re into protein-rich diets, consider the timing of your meals before a test.

10. Cold Weather Chills

Cold weather can make your breathalyzer reading higher than it should be. The reason? Your body conserves heat by sending blood away from the extremities, concentrating it in your core.

This can cause alcohol from your bloodstream to be released in your breath, leading to a false positive. Keep warm and wait a bit before testing in chilly conditions.

11. Autoimmune Disorders

Certain autoimmune disorders, like lupus or multiple sclerosis, can cause substances in your breath that might trigger a breathalyzer. Inform the testing officer if you have such conditions.

12. Diabetes Medication

Some diabetes medications, like Metformin, can lead to acetone buildup in the body, impacting your breathalyzer result. If you’re on diabetes medication, discuss this with the testing officer.

13. Smoking Habit

If you’re a smoker, the residue from cigarettes or cigars can linger in your mouth and affect the breathalyzer result. Wait a while after smoking before taking the test.

14. Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can alter your breathing patterns, potentially influencing the breathalyzer result. Try to stay calm and take deep breaths before the test to get a more accurate reading.

15. Recent Burp

A recent burp can introduce alcohol vapor into your mouth, affecting the breathalyzer reading. If you’ve burped recently, wait a moment before taking the test.

16. High-Intensity Exercise

Intense workouts can temporarily increase your breath alcohol levels. If you’ve just finished a vigorous exercise session, consider waiting a bit before taking a breathalyzer test.

17. Recent Alcohol Exposure

Handling alcohol, like pouring drinks or cleaning with alcohol-based products, can leave residue on your hands. This residue can transfer to your mouth, potentially affecting the breathalyzer reading. Be cautious after handling alcohol.

18. Cigarette Lighter Fluid

If you’ve recently handled cigarette lighter fluid or been around it, it can introduce volatile chemicals into your breath, impacting the breathalyzer result. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with lighter fluid.

19. Keto Diet Effects

The ketogenic (keto) diet can lead to ketosis, which can produce acetone in your breath. Acetone might register as alcohol on the breathalyzer. If you’re on a keto diet, consider the timing of your meals and tests.

20. Freshly Painted Spaces

Working in freshly painted areas or around strong solvents can introduce volatile compounds into your breath. Wait a while and ventilate before taking a breathalyzer test if you’ve been in such environments.

21. Perfume or Cologne

Some perfumes and colognes contain alcohol. If you’ve applied a fragrant product with alcohol content, it could affect the breathalyzer reading. Opt for alcohol-free fragrances if you plan on taking a test.

22. High-Protein Snacking

Indulging in protein-rich snacks, like beef jerky, before a breathalyzer test can lead to acetone production in your breath. Wait a bit if you’ve recently enjoyed a protein snack.

23. Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or liver disease, can affect your breathalyzer result. Inform the testing officer if you have such conditions.

24. Denture Adhesives

If you use denture adhesives containing alcohol, it could introduce alcohol vapor into your mouth, impacting the breathalyzer reading. Consider using alcohol-free adhesives.

25. Allergies and Sinus Issues

Seasonal allergies or sinus problems can cause postnasal drip, introducing substances into your mouth that might affect the breathalyzer result. Be mindful if you’re experiencing these issues before a test.

26. Inconsistent Breath Sampling

Proper breath sampling technique is crucial for accurate breathalyzer results. Inconsistent or incorrect sampling can lead to skewed readings. Follow the testing officer’s instructions carefully.

27. Calibration Errors

Breathalyzers require regular calibration to ensure accuracy. If the device is improperly calibrated, it can lead to false readings. Ensure that the breathalyzer used is well-maintained and up-to-date.

28. Chemical Exposure

Exposure to certain chemicals or fumes, especially in industrial or laboratory settings, can introduce volatile compounds into your breath, potentially affecting the breathalyzer result. Ventilate and take precautions in such environments.

29. Recent Alcohol Consumption

If you’ve consumed alcohol shortly before a breathalyzer test, it’s likely to register on the test. Alcohol needs time to metabolize in your system. Wait until you’re sure you’re sober before taking the test.

30. Testing Device Malfunction

Sometimes, the breathalyzer itself may malfunction or have calibration issues. If you suspect the device isn’t working correctly, request a retest or consult with a legal professional.

Resources Consulted For This Article On

• Help with a failed breathalyzer – Reddit
• Reasonable excuse for someone to not provide a roadside breathalyzer – Quora
• Things to know about vaping and the breathalyzer – Medium