Most drivers in South Carolina have heard the most common urban legends about breath testing. For example, many people still share the myth that sucking on a penny or multiple pennies before performing a breath test might eliminate the risk of failing the test. Others might believe that the use of mouthwash or breath spray immediately before a traffic stop could mask the alcohol they consumed earlier and might help them avoid driving under the influence (DUI) charges.
What people often fail to understand is that the attempt to trick or manipulate a breath test might actually either increase their chances of failing a test or could put a police officer interacting with them on high alert.
Officers know about the penny trick
Just like almost all high schoolers and college students have heard of the penny trick, so has nearly every police officer working in South Carolina. If they see someone popping pennies into their mouth or spitting them out before they open the car door, they are likely to scrutinize that driver particularly carefully.
After all, someone attempting to mask the alcohol on their breath or manipulate breath test results is likely aware that they have had too much to drink. Officers who notice a penny in someone’s mouth or signs of attempting to use the penny trick may become that much more suspicious of the driver.
Mouthwash and breath sprays can worsen test results
In theory, using mouthwash or a breath spray immediately before interacting with the police officer could cover up the telltale scent of scotch. However, if a police officer requests a breath test, the breath spray or mouthwash could potentially increase the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results. Many mouthwashes and breath sprays contain small amounts of alcohol. If administered immediately prior to a breath test, those sprays or mouthwashes could lead to drastically elevated BAC test results.
Simply put, certain efforts people undertake to avoid DUI arrests might actually increase their risk of prosecution. Knowing one’s rights during an encounter with the police and after an arrest can do much more to benefit those at risk of DUI charges than tricks intended to manipulate breath test results.
