When is the best time to do an accurate breath test?

In my police service we often turned away those who called at the police station wanting a breath test before they drove their car. The reason we refused was because a breath test only deals with your alcohol reading at the time of the test. Unless you got a later, second reading you wouldn't know if the reading was going up or down. It's worth reflecting on this if you use a breath testing device.

Asked on 15 September 2012 by JB, York

Answered by Honest John
A sensible warning. My advice is to use one several hours after your last drink to check if you have become okay. At that stage the alcohol level in your bloodstream will not longer rise. As you say, drivers may be under the limit as they leave a restaurant. But once the alcohol gets into their blood they may be over very soon afterwards.
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