An individual with a breath alcohol concentration of 0.05% and above is considered legally intoxicated in NZ. The alcohol content in your breath can accurately reflect your current BAC. An alcohol breath tester measures how much alcohol is present in the breath sample you provide. A breathalyser machine then uses that measurement to determine the amount of alcohol present within your blood per 100ml. You should wait for at least 15 minutes after consuming your first drink before checking for your BAC. The 15-minute waiting period gives the body enough time to start metabolising it. The blood alcohol content typically reaches its peak about an hour after drinking. BACtrack is the world’s leading breathalyser manufacturer. BACtrack personal breathalysers can help you keep track of your BAC when consuming alcohol.

Alcohol breath tests can also help determine your driving capabilities. The higher your BAC, the more likely it is for you to struggle with driving. Driving with a BAC of 0.05% or more in NZ is illegal. This restriction is because of the possible effects of having a 0.05% BAC or more. Driving over the limit could lead to hefty fines, ignition interlocks and possible jail time. People nowadays use BACtrack personal breathalysers to help them avoid trouble with the law. Checking your breath alcohol concentration before driving is an effective way of improving your safety when consuming alcohol.

Why Check Your Breath Alcohol Concentration?

Breath alcohol tests can also help you limit your intake. Checking your BAC from time to time is an effective way of knowing when it’s time to stop or slow down. Everyone has a unique response to alcohol consumption. Guessing your current state while consuming alcohol may be dangerous as it could falsely lead you to believe that you are fully capable of driving. To surely know your exact capabilities, it is best to check your BAC. Breath tests are quick and easy. It only takes 10 to 15 seconds for devices like BACtrack personal breathalysers to process your breath sample. It would be best if you waited until your BAC is low enough before you drive. The typical alcohol burn-off rate is about 0.016% BAC per hour. There are also several factors that can affect your breath alcohol concentration.

Factors that affect your breath alcohol concentration include:

• Age
• Gender
• Rate of alcohol consumption
• Alcoholic beverage strength
• Body type
• Fat/Muscle content
• Metabolism
• Hydration
• Emotional state
• Medications you may be taking
• The food you have consumed
• Carbonation of the beverage
• Alcohol tolerance (regular consumption can affect this)
• Overall health

Related Articles:

• Breath Alcohol Tester
• What is the Legal Limits of Alcohol in NZ
• Breathalysers NZ: What Does Breathalyzer Mean?