Breath Test Program
Please refer to the training page for current information regarding breath test training and recertification.
Instrument models are initially tested within the Department if acceptable and approved by the Director. Each individual instrument is tested by Department personnel, and if acceptable is placed at an agency within the state. These instruments must be inspected and certified at least every 180 days. Department Inspectors inspect and repair instruments at their agencies, replace parts as needed, and provide other services as needed.
Documentation of all work done on each instrument is maintained in Department files, and is public information.
The proper technique for performing a breath test is referred to as the Approved Method. There is one Approved Method for each approved instrument model.
As of this writing, there is one approved instrument, the BAC DataMaster, and one Approved Method. These instruments work very well, but are based upon electronic circuits developed in the 1970s and 1980s; as time goes on, it will be difficult for the manufacturer to have reliable suppliers for these components. We have evaluated three new models, one of which will eventually replace the DataMaster. We anticipate that both instrument models will be in use for a 3 to 5 year period. During that time, we will have two approved models and two Approved Methods.
