Dangerously misleading breathalyzers on the market – several show 0.0 BAC even when the drink-driving limit is exceeded
- Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
08.07.2025 - An independent test conducted by MHF Test Lab, commissioned by the Swedish traffic safety organization MHF and Testfakta, shows that more than half of the breathalyzers sold to Swedish drivers produce dangerously inaccurate results. Some devices displayed a 0.0 blood alcohol content (BAC) even though the test subject actually had 0.20‰ – the legal limit for drink-driving in Sweden.
“This is completely unacceptable. These products mislead consumers and pose a serious road safety risk,” said Tomas Jonsson, CEO of MHF Test Lab.
13 breathalyzers tested – 8 failed
The test included 13 breathalyzers marketed to private individuals through both physical stores and online shops. The results were clear: 8 out of 13 gave incorrect readings at the legal limit of 0.20‰. Devices from Inova Alcotest, Sencor and Leconsa repeatedly showed a 0.0 BAC even though the subject was at the legal threshold. Meanwhile, the model “Breath” exaggerated the results and overestimated the BAC by up to three times.
Top performers – devices you can trust
Four breathalyzers received the highest marks for accuracy:Dräger 4000, AlcoTrx FCA 40, Dignita AM-7000, and Isober Pro.All four showed exact or nearly exact readings at 0.20‰. The AlcoSense Pro also performed well, with good precision and consistency, but adds a 10% safety margin, which may be problematic in professional contexts.
Semiconductor sensors fall short – fuel cells are best
All top-rated devices use fuel cell technology, known for more reliable readings. The lowest-rated models relied on cheaper semiconductor sensors, which are more prone to interference from cigarette smoke and other contaminants.
Tomas Jonsson: “These devices are outright dangerous”
“That some devices give the green light even at high intoxication levels is terrifying. We keep seeing stores and online retailers marketing substandard products as ‘top-rated’ even though they fail basic safety requirements. It’s like playing Russian roulette with people’s lives,” said Tomas Jonsson.
Advice for consumers
Buy a breathalyzer that meets the SS-EN 16280 standard (for private use) or SS-EN 15964 (for professional use). It should use a fuel cell sensor, display BAC in ‰ or mg/l (not percent), clearly show when calibration is due – and never be treated as a party toy.
“After a heavy night of drinking, you should leave the car the entire next day, no matter what the breathalyzer says. Even if your BAC is technically zero, your reaction time could still be seriously impaired,” Jonsson added.
About the test
The test was carried out by MHF Test Lab – one of the few accredited alcohol measurement labs in the world – in collaboration with MHF and Testfakta. Thirteen devices were tested in spring 2025. Assessment criteria included measurement accuracy, technical reliability and ease of use.
Source: MHF
