Does the Odor of Alcohol in My Breath Reflect My Level of Intoxication?

If you are pulled over by the police because they suspect you are driving under the influence, there are several things they will be looking for to try to determine your level of intoxication. Some warning signs are subjective while others are objective. Subjective signs are easier to challenge in court as being misinterpreted or misperceived, but supposedly, objective signs of alcohol intoxication can also be challenged. A Sacramento DUI attorney will be able to help you if decide you contest the charges.

One common sign used by police officers is the odor of alcohol on the driver’s breath. This is usually the first clue the officer relies upon to determine that a driver has been drinking and provide justification under the law to begin a DUI investigation. However, even this simple test is not always accurate. In one study on the ability to detect alcohol by odor, twenty police officers were asked to detect alcohol from subjects of varying degrees of blood-alcohol concentration (BAC). The officers were unable to identify the beverage type by smell alone, and their estimates as to the strength of the odor did not correspond go BAC levels.

Another common sign invoked is red or watery or glassy eyes. However, these might not be due to alcohol use at all; they can also manifest due to conditions such as wind irritation, fatigue, or emotional state. There is no correlation between red or watery eyes and BAC.

If you have further questions about the signs of alcohol intoxication, contact dedicated Sacramento DUI attorney Param Pabla today.