What is the legal breath alcohol limit for operating a motor vehicle?
In the United States, the national limit for persons 21 years or older is .08 BAC. For persons under 21 years of age you may be arrested for alcohol impairment at .02 BAC. Outside the US, the legal limit varies per country.
What is necessary for my police department to establish an approved impaired driving enforcement program?
Typical components to an impaired driving program include: selection and approval of a preliminary breath tester for roadside use and checkpoints to assist with probable cause (if allowed by local/state regulations), selection and approval of an evidential breath test device for court record (state agency controlled), and participation by all breath test operator’s in a required training program for both the selected PBT and evidential breath instrument.
I am a police officer interested in becoming a certified Intoxilyzer operator. How do I obtain the necessary certification?
CMI offers the Maintenance, Repair and Instructor course at the factory for both the Intoxilyzer 8000 and 9000. However, please note, your jurisdiction may have specific training requirements you must meet in addition to attending our course. Please check with the training administrator at your agency or with the state breath test program manager.
How can law enforcement agencies purchase breath alcohol testing equipment and supplies?
To place your supplies and/or handheld (PBT) order, please contact Customer Service at 866-835-0690 or log-in to your online account and place your order via our website – www.alcoholtest.com. For your evidential breath instrument order, please contact Customer Service at 866-835-0690.
I am a certified breath test operator, but my certification has expired. What is necessary for me to obtain my recertification?
State breath test programs have both initial training and recertification requirements for breath test operators. Please check with your agency’s training administrator or with the state breath test program manager.
Who typically decides what type of breath testing devices to use in impaired driving enforcement programs?
There are two types of instruments that agencies may use in these programs – Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) and Evidential Breath Test (EBT) instruments. Each state has a regulatory agency – i.e. State Police, Department of Health, Forensic Science, etc. that approves the instrumentation used. Check with your state agency to determine the approved instruments you may use. Note, not all states allow the use of PBT or EBT use.
What is the difference between a calibration check and a calibration adjustment?
A calibration check utilizes a known dry gas standard or wet bath solution to verify the accuracy of the instrument being checked. When performing a calibration check, the known standard is introduced to the instrument while in calibration check mode. The instrument provides a reading of the known standard. There is an acceptable range for this reading. If this reading is within range, the calibration check is within specification.
A calibration adjustment utilizes calibration standards to adjust or reset the instrument into specification. A calibration check is performed after a calibration to adjustment to verify the instrument is within correct specification.
What are the common reasons for performing a workplace alcohol test?
Random, Reasonable Suspicion, Post-Accident, Return-To-Duty, Pre-Employment/Post Offer, Follow-UP
Where may I find the latest copy of the Conforming Products List for Evidential Breath Test Instruments and/or Screening Instruments?
Both of these lists are generated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Links to the latest approved lists may be found below.
For workplace testing, how often should I perform a calibration check on my instrument?
For DOT-mandated testing, 49 CFR Part 40 requires the Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT) to operate the instrument in accordance with the manufacturer’s Quality Assurance Plan (QAP). Please refer to your instrument’s QAP for this requirement. Should you need a copy of the QAP please contact CMI Customer Service at 866-835-0690.
For non-regulated workplace testing, CMI recommends following your company policy and/or the instrument’s Quality Assurance Plan.
How often must a Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT) be recertified?
49 CFR Part 40 requires Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs) be refreshed every 5 years.