Breathalyzer Information

A breathalyzer, or breath analyzer, is a device for estimating blood alcohol content (BAC) from a breath sample. The name "Breathalyzer" was the brand name of a model made by Smith and Wesson and later National. The name has now become a generalized trademark for all such instruments.

Breathalyzers don't directly measure blood alcohol content, but the estimate BAC indirectly by measuring the amount of alcohol found in someones breath. Since breathalyzers only estimate the actual BAC, there will be some variance in the readings and possible false positive readings.

In fact some states do not permit readings from hand-held breathalyzers to be presented in court. They do allow the readings to show probable cause for arrest. South Dakota is even less trusting of breathalyzers. They will not permit readings from any type or size of breathalyzer, but require an actual blood test for accuracy.