Don’t expect to pass a Breathalyzer test if you’ve vaped alcohol

| Dec 31, 2018 | Field Sobriety Tests

If you’re the parent of a teen, you no doubt are familiar with the popular practice of vaping. Any number of substances, both legal and illegal, can be vaped — including alcohol.

When alcohol is ingested through a vape device, it takes a different route through the body than if it’s consumed via a glass or bottle. However, it impacts your body and your brain, nonetheless. People who think that by vaping alcohol rather than drinking it, they’ll be able to pass a Breathalyzer test, which measures a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), they’re wrong,

When a person drinks alcohol, the impact on their BAC is minimal until it hits the intestines and stomach. As the body processes it, it stays in the bloodstream until eventually, the person sobers up (assuming that they stop drinking). As this happens, the alcohol is still present in a person’s breath.

If you vape alcohol, it goes directly to your lungs. Since you’re breathing in the alcohol vapor, naturally, it’s going to show up on a Breathalyzer. The same is true if you’re using an ignition interlock device (IID) to start your car. IIDs work the same way as Breathalyzers do.

The bottom line is that no matter how you consume alcohol, it’s going to show up on a Breathalyzer. An even more important thing to remember is that whether you drink it, vape it or use a more creative method of ingesting alcohol, it will impact your ability to drive a vehicle. Therefore, you should never consume alcohol in any manner if you’re going to be getting behind the wheel.

Maryland law enforcement officers and prosecutors don’t care how a person became impaired — only that they are. If you’ve been charged with DUI, it’s essential to take the matter seriously. A DUI conviction — even a first offense — can have a significant impact on your life. It’s wise to have legal guidance as you go through the justice system.

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