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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 6. Criminal Justice And Corrections
Agency 40. Department of Forensic Science
Chapter 20. Regulations for Breath Alcohol Testing
12/22/2024

6VAC40-20-170. Preliminary breath test device.

All preliminary breath tests shall be performed on a preliminary breath test device approved by the department. Such devices shall offer convenience and efficiency in operation as determined by the department and shall also satisfy the requirements of either subdivision 1 or 2 of this section.

1. For instruments having a numeric readout, the device shall have a systematic error not exceeding ±10%.

2. For instruments having a pass/fail, colored light readout, the device shall satisfy the following specifications:

a. When a sample of breath is properly taken from a person with an actual blood alcohol concentration of 0.05% or less by weight by volume or 0.05 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath, the device shall not indicate a positive result.

b. When a sample of breath is properly taken from a person with an actual blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more by weight by volume or 0.08 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath, the device shall not indicate a negative result.

Statutory Authority

§ 9.1-1110 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Former 6VAC20-190-170 derived from Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 3, eff. November 23, 2000; amended, Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 4, eff. December 3, 2003; amended and renumbered as 6VAC40-20-170, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 10, eff. February 22, 2006.

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