• How do I use a breathalyzer? / How do I take or give a breath test?
  Please refer to your user's manual, or to our general breathalyzer instructions.
  
  
• What is "%BAC"?
  "%BAC" stands for "percent Blood Alcohol Concentration" or "percent Blood Alcohol Content".
  
  
• What is the %BAC limit for driving?
  Every state in the US currently defines a BAC of 0.08% or higher as criminal when operating a motor vehicle. For more information, refer to our DUI/DWI page. If the driver of a motor vehicle is under the age of 21, most jurisdictions practice a Zero Tolerance policy, set at 0.01% or 0.02%.
  
  
• Can I drive if my breathalyzer shows me a %BAC reading under the limit?
  Breathalyzers are for informational purposes only. We do not recommend driving after consuming ANY amount of alcohol. It has been medically shown that there is a greatly increased risk even when driving with a %BAC of 0.05% or lower. There is NO "safe" amount of alcohol to drink before driving. See also Zero Tolerance.
  
  
• What is the difference between all of these devices?
  Please refer to our product comparison table or visit our more detailed comparison page.
  
  
• When/why do I need calibration or re-calibration?
  Please refer to our calibration page. If you own an AlcoMate Premium, Prestige or Plus, please refer to our Alcohol Sensors page for more information about Pre-Calibrated Sensor Modules.
  
  
• How do I install a "Pre-Calibrated Replaceable Alcohol Sensor Module"?
  Please refer to our Pre-Calibrated Sensor Module page.
  
  
• Do I need training to use a breathalyzer?
  If you are using a breathalyzer for personal use, you do not need any training. If you are using a breathalyzer for workplace use, you still probably do not need any training. Please see the BAT/STT Training page for further details.
  
  
• What's wrong with my breathalyzer?
  Please refer to our Support page. If you plan to return a product to us, make sure to contact us before sending it in. Also, refer to the return policy question below.
  
  
• Why is my breathalyzer showing a positive reading for alcohol, even though I've had nothing to drink?
  
  Please wait at least 20 minutes after eating, drinking or smoking before performing a breath alcohol test.
  
  If you have owned your device for at least 6 months and/or have performed between 200-300 tests on the device, it may be in need of calibration.
  
  Remember that a breathalyzer analyzes the alcohol concentration in your lungs. If you have alcohol in your mouth, test results may be dramatically affected. Common household products like mouthwash or breath spray often contain alcohol that may cause a high reading on a breathalyzer.
  
  *Note: In some cases, diabetics that are untreated for their condition, as well as some individuals on special diets, may exhibit elevated levels of ketones and/or acetones on their breath. High concentrations of ketones and acetones may induce a false positive in breathalyzers.
  
  
• What does the DOT and the FDA have to do with breathalyzers?
  Please refer to our DOT/FDA page.
  
  
• I operate a merchant marine vessel. Do I need a breathalyzer?
  Please refer to our US Coast Guard page.
  
  
• I want to sell your breathalyzers. What should I do?
  Please contact us to discuss distribution opportunities. Your initial order must meet certain requirements before we establish credit terms for future orders.
  
  
• What is the return policy for breathalyzers?
  If your product does not function correctly due to a manufacturing defect, you may return it to us with a copy of your invoice within 15 days of receipt for an exchange or full refund. You may also return a fully-working product to us within 15 days or receipt for a product upgrade, for which you will be charged the difference in price. If you return a product to us with no reason or verification and we determine that the product was damaged by the customer or that the customer did not operate the device correctly, we will charge a 10% restocking fee in addition to a shipping reclamation fee.
  
  If you purchased your breathalyzer from an unapproved re-seller, we may refuse service (including exchanges, refunds and calibration). If you purchase from an unapproved source, remember that none of those sellers can provide any services for you. Buy at your own risk.
  
  
• What is "self-calibration"?
  User "self-calibration" will not restore the sensor to precise values, but it may improve general sensor accuracy. The sensor is sensitive to temperature, humidity, and air quality and the sensor readings may be affected. Self-calibration does not reliably maintain accuracy over a long period.

If your question is not covered above, please contact us at 1-800-943-1016, or send an email to support@personalalcoholtester.com.