Legal Definitions - drunkometer

The term drunkometer refers to a device, more commonly known today as a breathalyzer, used by law enforcement to estimate a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) by analyzing a sample of their breath. The results obtained from a drunkometer are frequently used as evidence in legal proceedings, particularly in cases involving driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Here are some examples illustrating the application of a drunkometer:

• Traffic Stop for Suspected Impairment: A police officer pulls over a driver who was observed swerving erratically. After noticing signs of impairment, such as slurred speech and the smell of alcohol, the officer asks the driver to blow into a handheld device. This device, acting as a drunkometer, quickly provides a reading of the driver's BAC, which is then used as critical evidence to support a charge of driving under the influence.

• Investigation Following a Minor Accident: After a fender-bender, one of the drivers involved appears confused and has difficulty answering questions clearly. Responding officers suspect alcohol might be a factor. They administer a breath test using a portable instrument, which functions as a drunkometer, to determine if the driver's BAC exceeds the legal limit. The resulting measurement helps officers establish probable cause for an arrest and serves as key evidence in any subsequent court case related to impaired driving.

• Sobriety Checkpoint Screening: At a routine sobriety checkpoint, officers are screening drivers for signs of intoxication. A driver who exhibits glassy eyes and is slow to respond to questions is directed to a secondary screening area. There, an officer asks the driver to provide a breath sample into a specialized machine. This machine, operating as a drunkometer, registers a BAC significantly above the legal threshold, leading to the driver's immediate arrest for driving while intoxicated.