Consequences of Refusing a Breathalyzer Test [2024]
The consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test include the revocation of your driving privileges. If convicted of a DUI, expect possible fines, jail time, and car insurance rates 41% higher on average. If you refuse a breathalyzer test, the best thing you can do is talk to a lawyer to try to lessen the severity of the charges.
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Daniel Walker
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Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
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UPDATED: Oct 22, 2024
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UPDATED: Oct 22, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Refusing a breathalyzer at a party is not nearly as serious as the consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test when driving drunk. If you’re questioned about driving under the influence or drunk driving by a police officer, you’re likely to face a breathalyzer or other chemically-based test.
Refusing a breathalyzer test demanded by a police officer will prompt an immediate loss of your driving privileges in every state and make it hard to find cheap car insurance.
In Alaska and Maine, refusing to take a breathalyzer includes automatic jail time.
Deciding to take the breathalyzer in such a situation may not protect all your rights, but refusing to do so can have serious repercussions. You will certainly face a court of law. Read on to learn more.
Think about lowering your car insurance rates after refusing breathalzyer tests or being charged with a DUI by shopping around — enter your ZIP code to get started today.
- A higher blood alcohol level may mean a harsher sentence if the driver is convicted
- The consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test at the investigating officer’s request can have highly negative results
- When the driver refuses the breathalyzer, the arresting officer must clearly provide an explanation of the next steps
- Accused drivers should seek legal counsel to discuss the protection of legal rights
- Refusing to take a breathalyzer test could also result in higher rates on your insurance
Refusing to Take a Breathalyzer Test: What happens?
Does refusing a breathalyzer help? If you’re ultimately convicted of driving while impaired, also known as DWI, or driving under the influence, also called DUI, the court will mandate the maximum penalty for refusal to take breathalyzer, urine, or blood tests.
If you’re faced with a possible DUI/DWI, discuss your circumstances with a legal advisor.
Refusing to accept a field sobriety test can be more serious than the original DUI/DWI accusation. An attorney can help minimize the potential penalties and charges related to a DUI/DWI conviction. Read on to learn about the process of refusing a test.
Read more: How can I get car insurance if my spouse has a DUI/DWI?
What is implied driver consent and implied driver refusal?
When a driver is suspected of driving under the influence or driving while impaired, the investigating police officer seeks to determine the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC).
A higher blood alcohol level may mean a harsher sentence if the driver is convicted. The breathalyzer or other test helps to determine the most accurate BAC level of the driver in real time.
The suspected drunk or chemically-impaired driver may be taken to the nearest police station or hospital to obtain a breathalyzer or other indicated medical tests. The breathalyzer is considered a non-invasive and safe test. However, it is the driver’s right to refuse to submit to the test. But, is it a good idea to refuse a breathalyzer?
Refusing to take the breathalyzer at the request of the investigating officer can mean automatic suspension of the driver’s license for one year or more in many states.
Suspension of the driver license occurs due to implied consent. It is hard to find cheap car insurance rates after a suspended license, so avoiding license suspension will help your case afterwards.
According to FindLaw, in most states’ driver laws, the driver license holder gives consent to requests for breath, urine, or blood tests in order to determine blood alcohol level when the police officer presents reasonable grounds for the request.
Conversely, implied refusal of the driver relates to his inability to blow into the breathalyzer tube or an unconscious condition. Sometimes, the breathalyzer/preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) may not function.
The arresting police officer may charge the driver with implied refusal in that case! If the driver refuses the initial PAS but allows chemical testing at a police station or medical facility, he should not be legally accused of implied refusal.
The decision to refuse the investigating officer’s request to take a breathalyzer can have highly negative results.
The resulting conviction, if determined, may lead to higher fines and harsher sentencing. When the driver refuses the breathalyzer or other test, the court may assume the driver’s BAC was at least 0.16 percent or greater. Unfortunately, refusing to take the breathalyzer may be seen as proof of guilt in some cases.
So before you say, “I refuse a breathalyzer test,” first consider the consequences of refusing breathalzyer tests.
What are the BAC levels and penalties by state?
If an officer can’t get a driver to take a breathalyzer test, than a driver may automatically be penalized with the highest penalty in the state. Take a look at the list below to see what the BAC levels are in your state.
BAC Level Limits and Penalties by State
| States | BAC Limit | High BAC Limit | Criminal Status by Offense | Formal Name for Offense | Look Back Period/Washout Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st-3rd misdemeanors, 4th+ in 5 years Class C felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 5 years |
| Alaska | 0.08 | NA | 1st-2nd Class A misdemeanors, 3rd+ in 10 years class C felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) / Operating Under the Influence (OUI) | 15 years |
| Arizona | 0.08 | 0.15-0.2; 0.2+ | 1st-2nd Class 1 misdemeanor, 3rd+ Class 4 felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 7 years |
| Arkansas | 0.08 | NA | 4th+ within 5 years is a felony (otherwise unclassified) | Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) | 5 years |
| California | 0.08 | 0.15-0.2; 0.2+ | Non-injury DUIs are misdemeanors. 4th+ felony if offender sentenced to incarceration in state prison | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Colorado | 0.05 - DWAI, 0.08 - DUI | 0.15-0.2; 0.2+ | 1st-3rd misdemeanors, 4th+ Class 4 felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | no official period |
| Connecticut | 0.08 | NA | 1st misdemeanor, 2+ within 10 years are felonies | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Delaware | 0.08 | 0.15-0.2; 0.2+ | 1st-2nd unclassified misdemeanors, 3rd Class G felony, 4th-5th Class E felonies, 6th Class D felony, 7th Class C felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years for 2nd offense, unlimited/lifetime for 3rd+ |
| Florida | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st-2nd misdemeanors, 3rd+ within 10 years is 3rd degree felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years for 3rd offense, unlimited/lifetime for 4th+ |
| Georgia | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st-2nd misdemeanors, 3rd high and aggravated misdemeanor, 4th+ felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Hawaii | 0.08 | NA | 1st-3rd petty misdemeanors, 4th+ Class C felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI)/ Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant (OVUII) | 5 years |
| Idaho | 0.08 | 0.2 | 1st-2nd misdemeanors, 2nd or subsequent with BAC > 0.20 felony, 3rd+ felony. DUI with bodily harm or disfigurement is felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years for DUI, 5 years for HBAC |
| Illinois | 0.08 | 0.16 | 1st-2nd Class A misdemeaor, 3rd-4th Class 2 felony, 5th Class 1 felony, 6th+ Class X felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Indiana | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st Class C misdemeanor, 1st high BAC Class A misdemeanor; subsequent convictions within 5 years, Class D felony | Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) | 5 years |
| Iowa | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st serious misdemeanor, 2nd aggravated misdemeanor, 3rd+ Class D felony | Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) | 12 years |
| Kansas | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st Class B non-person misdemeanor, 2nd Class A non-person misdemeanor, 3rd+ non-person felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Kentucky | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st Class B misdemeanor, 2nd-3rd within 5 years, Class A misdemeanors, 4th+ Class D felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Louisiana | 0.08 | 0.15; 0.2 | 1st-2nd not classified, 3rd either misdemeanor or felony, 4th felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Maine | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st-2nd Class D crime, 3rd+ within 10 years Class C crimes | Operating Under the Influence (OUI) | 10 years |
| Maryland | 0.08 | 0.15 | All misdemeanors | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 5 years |
| Massachusetts | 0.08 | 0.2 | 1st-2nd unclassified, 3rd+ felonies | Operating Under the Influence (OUI) | Unlimited/lifetime |
| Michigan | 0.08 | 0.17 | 1st-2nd unclassified, 3rd+ felonies | Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) | 7 years for 2nd offense, unlimited/lifetime for 3rd+ |
| Minnesota | 0.08 | 0.16 | 4th degree offense w/no aggravating factors is misdemeanor; 3rd degree offense w/one aggravating factor is gross misdemeanor; 2nd degree offense w/ two aggravating factors is gross misdemeanor; 1st degree offense w/ 3+ aggravating factors is felony (Aggravating Factors: 1) any prior drunken driving offense 2) driving with BAC > 0.19 3) driving w/passenger <16 yo if passenger is more than 36 months younger than driver | Driving While Impaired (DWI) | 10 years |
| Mississippi | 0.08 | NA | 1st-2nd misdemeanors, 3rd+ felonies with 4th automatic felony carrying 2-10 years in prison | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 5 years |
| Missouri | 0.08 | 0.15; 0.2 | 1st intoxication offense Class B misdemeanor, first per se offense Class C misdemeanor, 2nd Class A misdemeanors, 3rd Class D felony, 4th+ Class C felony | Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) | 5 years |
| Montana | 0.08 | 0.16 | 1st-3rd misdemeanors, 4th+ felonies | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years for 2nd offense, unlimited/lifetime for 3rd+ |
| Nebraska | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st-3rd w/in 15 years Class W misdemeanors, 4th w/in 15 years Class IIIA felony, 5th+ w/in 15 years Class III felonies, injury related DUI Class IIIA felony. If driver with prior felony conviction with BAC >0.15 caught driving with BAC >0.02, Class IIIA misdemeanor in addition to any other penalties | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 15 years |
| Nevada | 0.08 | 0.18 | 1st-2nd misdemeanors, 3rd+ in 7 years Category B felonies | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 7 years |
| New Hampshire | 0.08 | 0.16 | 1st Class B misdemeanor, 2nd-3rd non-injury Class A misdemeanors, 4th+ non-injury felony, DUI with serious bodily injury Class B felony | Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) | 10 years |
| New Jersey | 0.08 | 0.15 | Drunken driving is a "violation" not a "crime" | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| New Mexico | 0.08 | 0.16 | 1st-3rd not classified, 4th-5th fourth degree felony, 6th+ third degree felony | Driving While Impaired (DWI) | Unlimited/lifetime |
| New York | 0.05 - DWAI, 0.08 - DUI | 0.18 | DWAI:1st traffic violation, 2nd+ misdemeanors; DWI: 1st misdemeanor, 2nd in 10 years Class E felony, 3rd+ in 10 years Class D felony | Driving While Intoxicated (DWI); High BAC Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (ADWI) | 10 years for 2nd offense, 15 years for 3rd+ |
| North Carolina | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st-3rd classified as Level 1-5 based on sentence length, 4th+ Class F felony | Driving While Impaired (DWI) | 7 years |
| North Dakota | 0.08 | 0.18 | 1st and 2nd offense within 7 years are Class B misdemeanors. 3rd offense within 7 years is a Class A misdemeanor. 4th and subsequent offenses within 15 years are Class C felonies | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 7 years |
| Ohio | 0.08 | 0.17 | 1st-2nd first degree misdemeanors, 3rd misdemeanor, 4th in 6 years fourth degree felony, + in any time period third degree felony | Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI) | 10 years |
| Oklahoma | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st misdemeanor, 2nd+ in 10 years felonies | Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) | 10 years |
| Oregon | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st-3rd Class A misdemeanors, 4th+ Class C felonies | Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) | 10 years |
| Pennsylvania | 0.08 | 0.16 | 1st-2nd misdemeanors, 3rd+ second degree misdemeanors | Driving After Imbibing (DAI) | 10 years |
| Rhode Island | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st-2nd non-injury misdemeanors, 3rd+ non-injury felony, DUI w/ serious bodily injury is felony | Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) | 5 years |
| South Carolina | 0.08 | 0.16 | 1st misdemeanor, 2nd in 10 years Class C misdemeanor, 3rd in 10 years Class A misdemeanor, 4th+ in 10 years Class F felonies | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| South Dakota | 0.08 | 0.17 | 1st-2nd Class 1 misdemeanors, 3rd in 10 years Class 6 felony, 4th in 10 years Class 5 felony, 5th+ Class 4 felonies | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Tennessee | 0.08 | 0.2 | 1st-3rd Class A misdemeanors, 4th+ in 10 years Class E felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Texas | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st Class B misdemeanor, 2nd in 5 years Class A misdemeanor, 3rd+ third degree felonies | Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) | Unlimited/lifetime for sentencing; 5 years for 2nd+ when determining need for IID |
| Utah | 0.08; changes to 0.05 12/2018 | 0.16 | 1st-2nd Class B misdemeanors, 3rd+ in 10 years third degree felonies | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Vermont | 0.08 | 0.16 | 1st-2nd misdemeanors, 3rd+ felonies | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | Unlimited/lifetime |
| Virginia | 0.08 | 0.15; 0.2 | 1st-2nd Class 1 misdemeanors, 3rd+ in 10 years Class 6 felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Washington | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st-4th gross misdemeanor, 5th+ Class B felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 7 years |
| West Virginia | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st-2nd misdemeanors, 3rd+ in 10 years felonies | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Wisconsin | 0.08 | 0.17-.199; 0.2-0.249; 0.25+ | 1st municipal offense, 2nd-3rd misdemeanors, 4th in 5 years and 5th-6th anytime Class H felony, 7th-9th Class G felony, 10th+ Class F felony | Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) | 10 years |
| Wyoming | 0.08 | 0.15 | 1st-3rd non-injury misdemeanor, 4th+ non-injury in 10 years felony, serious injury DUI is felony | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 10 years |
| Washington DC | 0.08 | 0.2-0.25; 0.25-0.3; 0.3+ | All are misdemeanors | Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | 15 years |
Read more:
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Hawaii?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Idaho?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Indiana?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Louisiana?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Massachusetts?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Nebraska?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in New Jersey?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Utah?
Getting a lawyer will help you navigate these charges if you are accused of a DUI in your state. For example, if you choose to refuse to blow a breathalyzer in Florida, your license is taken away for a year in Florida for refusal to blow.
Why are some drivers concerned about taking the breathalyzer test?
Some drivers may have a concern of potential abuse by the police officer in the administration of the breathalyzer test. For that reason, most states support the right of the driver to request a certain hospital or medical facility for the administration of the breathalyzer or other chemical test.
A DUI arrest may be deemed as unlawful if a court finds that the arresting officer didn’t have adequate reason to initially question the driver.
If the arresting police officer didn’t inform the driver about the effects of refusing the breathalyzer test, the driver can challenge the charges in a court of law. When the driver refuses the breathalyzer, the arresting officer must clearly provide an explanation of the next steps.
What else can occur when a driver refuses to take a breathalyzer test?
Refusing to accept sobriety tests may result in additional driver license issues, depending on the state in which the driver refuses to take the breathalyzer or other test.
Accused drivers should seek legal counsel to discuss the protection of legal rights.
In some cases, the timely request for an administrative hearing can help to lessen the serious consequences of initially refusing the breathalyzer test, according to attorneys Kapsack & Blair, LLC in California.
If the driver is convicted, he may face large fines, a jail sentence, driver education courses, and community service. It will also be hard to find cheap car insurance after a DUI charge.
We hope our breathalyzer comparison guide of the penalities and steps to take afterwards have helped you. Take a moment to request free online car insurance quotes today by entering your ZIP code right now.
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Case Studies: Consequences of Refusing a Breathalyzer Test
Case Study 1: The License Suspension
Sarah was pulled over by a police officer on suspicion of driving under the influence. When asked to take a breathalyzer test, she refused. As a result, her driver’s license was immediately suspended for one year. Sarah had to rely on alternative transportation methods and faced difficulties in her daily life without a valid driver’s license.
Case Study 2: The DUI Conviction
Mark was stopped by the police for erratic driving and was asked to take a breathalyzer test. He refused, believing it would be in his best interest to avoid providing evidence against himself. However, Mark was ultimately charged with a DUI based on other observations and evidence gathered by the police officer.
The court found him guilty, and Mark faced severe penalties, including hefty fines, mandatory alcohol education courses, probation, and a suspended license. Additionally, his car insurance rates increased by 41%, making it challenging for him to find affordable coverage.
Case Study 3: The Legal Defense
Emily was pulled over at a DUI checkpoint and was asked to take a breathalyzer test. Concerned about potential inaccuracies of the test, she decided to refuse. Immediately after the refusal, Emily contacted a lawyer specializing in DUI cases. The lawyer helped navigate the legal process, built a strong defense, and negotiated with the prosecution.
As a result, Emily’s charges were reduced to a lesser offense with milder penalties, such as a shorter license suspension and lower fines. While she still faced consequences for refusing the breathalyzer, her decision to seek legal counsel helped minimize the overall impact on her life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose to take a blood or urine test instead of a breathalyzer?
The availability of alternative tests varies, and it’s best to consult with a lawyer to understand the specific laws and procedures in your jurisdiction regarding alternative tests.
Are there any differences between refusing a breathalyzer at a party and refusing one while driving under the influence?
Refusing a breathalyzer at a party may have minimal legal consequences, but refusing one while driving under the influence can lead to immediate license suspension and harsher penalties.
Will refusing a breathalyzer test affect my car insurance rates?
Yes, refusing a breathalyzer test can result in higher car insurance rates or even policy cancellation.
Can I avoid the consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test by hiring a lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer can help navigate the legal process, but it does not guarantee avoiding the consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test.
What are the potential consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test?
Refusing a breathalyzer test can lead to license suspension, fines, jail time, and higher car insurance rates.
What is a credit score?
A credit score is a numerical representation of an individual’s creditworthiness, indicating the likelihood of repaying debts. It is used by lenders to assess the risk of lending money or extending credit to someone.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.