DOT-Approved Alcohol Testing Devices

Every state in the U.S. has laws against driving while intoxicated. Though some states are stricter, all states forbid driving a vehicle while having a blood alcohol content of 0.08. This can be as little as one or two drinks depending on a person's weight. Police measure a person's blood alcohol content when impaired driving is suspected by using a Department of Transportation approved device. These devices work in a variety of ways, usually by detecting traces of alcohol in a driver's breath.

AK Solutions Devices

• AK Solutions LLC based in New Jersey offers many breath testers and alcohol detecting devices. Its AlcoMate and AlcoScan models are approved for use by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and are available to the public. Law enforcement agencies use the AlcoMate analyzer, which can generally perform 200 tests before needing a replacement sensor. Replacement sensors are available directly from AK Solutions or at some electronics suppliers. The AlcoMate alcohol detector is portable and does not require calibration.

Guth Laboratories Alcotector

• Guth Laboratories Inc. in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, sells DOT-approved alcohol testing devices. Its Alcotector breath tester can detect alcohol levels in a persons breath in under 20 seconds. It is portable and is powered by four AA batteries. The Alcotector breath tester must be calibrated before use by testing it on a wet simulator. Wet simulators are available separately at electronic shops and simulate intoxicated breath by creating user-controlled air outputs that contain alcohol.

AlcoHawk

• The AlcoHawk, distributed by Q3 Innovations, is also approved for use as an alcohol detector by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The AlcoHawk is available in many models ranging from basic portable models for the general public to more expensive and complex models for law enforcement. The AlcoHawk PT750 is a professional breath tester and works with a wireless printer for quick documentation. The PT750 also includes a rechargeable battery that can be charged with a car's electrical outlet.

Other Alcohol Screening Devices

• Other alcohol screening devices approved by the DOT are manufactured by companies such as Alco Check International, Chematics Inc., First Innovative Technology Group, Han International, KHN Solutions and Lion Laboratories.

  While most modern alcohol detectors work by measuring alcohol levels in a person's breath, some require blood samples. Blood sampling alcohol devices are often more reliable and sometimes people suspected of impaired driving will request them or judges will order their use.