How to Use an In-Car Breathalyzer

Police have been fighting drunk driving for several years by having DUI offenders use an in-car breathalyzer every time they get behind the wheel. This device tells the engine whether or not to start based on the amount of alcohol in the user's breath. If they are over the legal limit, the car will not start.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Sit down in your car and buckle your seatbelt. You want to be prepared to drive once the breathalyzer lets you start the engine, so it is important to take care of the small things like seat belts, adjusting mirrors and seats before you use the device.
2. Begin to start your car like you normally would. This means inserting your key in the ignition and turning like your car would normally start. This is the signal to the breathalyzer that someone is trying to start the automobile and that it should see if that person has had anything to drink.
3. Locate the breathalyzer. Most times it will be a small electronic device either attached to the dash or with a cord running into the dash. Most likely it will have a light that emits telling you it is time to blow, or a beep will sound to tell you the same thing.
4. Place your lips over the nozzle and blow into the machine for a few seconds. The machine will read your breath to see if there are any traces of alcohol in your body. Depending on this reading, you will either be able to or not able to start your car.
5. Wait for the reading to finish. In most models, the answer will come immediately. If you get a green light, your car will start.