Breath Tests / Blood Tests

Breath tests and blood tests are most commonly conducted to determine a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when he or she is suspected of DUI, DWI or OUI. Both tests are used to determine the ratio or percentage of alcohol in the driver's blood.

During a breath test, the driver will be asked to blow into a device such as a breathalyzer machine, which will then use the driver's breath alcohol level to determine his/her blood alcohol level. A blood test is conducted by taking a sample of blood and testing it for alcohol levels. When a person has a BAC of .08% or higher, he/she may be charged with DUI, DWI or OUI, depending upon the particular state.

Refusing a breath test or blood test may result in enhanced penalties, such as immediate driver's license suspension.

Related Topics:

• Breath Test Refusal
• Implied Consent Laws
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• DWI (Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired)
• OUI (Operating Under the Influence)

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