The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) is implementing in its controls the so -called approach alcoholic, a technology that allows the presence of alcohol in drivers to be detected without blowing. This system, which has been used ranked to date, seeks to optimize control procedures, facilitate its realization in special situations and strengthen the fight against driving under the influence of alcohol.
Although in recent months it has been presented as a novelty, approximation alcohifts have been part of the Traffic Civil Guard team. However, its use has been limited and little known. Unlike conventional ethylometers, these devices work without blowing. It is enough that the driver speaks so that the device records the presence of alcohol in the exhaled air, offering a preliminary result in seconds.
The procedure is simple: the agents bring the device closer to the driver’s mouth and ask routine questions such as their name or destination. In a few seconds, the ethylometer shows a result on the screen and generates a ticket, similar to traditional alcoholic. This technology is especially useful in cases where the driver cannot blow due to respiratory problems or injuries derived from an accident.
Advantages and limitations of new approximation alcoholic
The use of approach alcoholic offers several advantages. First, it allows to perform controls more quickly, which speeds up circulation in massive operations. In addition, when not requiring direct contact, it improves hygiene and reduces the generation of plastic waste, since it does not need disposable nozzles. On the other hand, it prevents drivers from excused with health problems to avoid the test.
However, these devices also have limitations. Its level of precision is lower than that of conventional alcoholic, so its results are not conclusive. In case of positive, a second test is required with a desktop equipment or, in exceptional cases, a blood test to confirm the result.
What happens if we positive with approximation alcoholic
If a driver throws a positive result in an approximation breathalyzer, a second test is with a conventional ethylometer. If this second test confirms the presence of alcohol above the allowed limit (0.25 mg/l in exhaled air for usual and 0.15 mg/l drivers for novels and professionals), the corresponding sanctions are applied. In the future, with the reform of the General Circulation Regulation, these limits could be reduced to 0.10 mg/l, hardening the sanctions for drivers.
In case of refusal to perform the test, the legislation is clear: the refusal to undergo breathalyzer control is typified as a crime and can lead to sentences between six months and one year in prison, in addition to the withdrawal of the driving permit.
Approach alcoholic, one more step in the fight against alcohol at the wheel
The implementation of approach alcoholic is a step forward in the fight against driving under the effects of alcohol. In 2024, the Civil Guard carried out more than six million breathalyzer controls, a record figure that reflects the commitment of the authorities with road safety.
As these technologies are perfected, they could become a fundamental tool to detect and sanction offenders, complementing traditional systems. In addition, the use of artificial intelligence and image analysis is being explored to improve the detection of road alcohol consumption, which could revolutionize traffic controls in the coming years.
