


I’m off until Feb. 22, and other breaking news reporters will be posting to the Seattle 911 blog. This week we’re re-running some of the most popular reader questions. I’ll post new questions when I return.

State Trooper Joe Gannon gives a breath test to a drunken-driving suspect. (Mike Urban/P-I)


A: No, State Patrol trooper Keith Trowbridge said.







Portable breath tests are different than Breathalyzers, but portable test results are not admissible in court, Trowbridge said.

The battery test is just bogus, according to police. The protein idea doesn’t work either.

Sucking down mouthwash? That can make things worse because some brands contain alcohol.

A Breathalyzer is meant to measure air from deep in the lungs. And that’s why police have a 15-minute observation period – so burps or attempted cover-ups won’t give bogus results.

Trowbridge said he’s when he’s pulled over drunken drivers, he’s seen them chew gum, suck on breath mints, light up a cigarette.

But the alcohol smell usually seeps through.


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  • Are you required to sign a traffic ticket?
  • Can people be fined for making false police reports?
  • Do cops always have to ID themselves when asked?
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  • Are space heaters a fire hazard in work cubicles?
  • What happens to items found in theft and burglary cases?
  • Do cops have quotas for speeding tickets?
  • Can my neighbor be ticketed for a noisy dog?
  • Can I plead the fifth when arrested by cops?
  • What’s the age cut-off for being carded?
  • Are fireworks legal on New Year’s Day?
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  • Can people really make a citizen’s arrest?
  • Do cars blocking hydrants stop firefighters?
  • Do red-light cameras consider snow conditions?
  • What’s the penalty for driving on closed roads?
  • Can the city be sued by people hurt sledding?
  • Are snowmobiles legal on city streets?
  • Does snow slow police and fire response times?
  • What streets do police first close for ice?
  • Do cops really give fines for sidewalk ice?
  • What’s the penalty for not yielding to cops?
  • Do cars always have to yield to pedestrians?
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  • What happens to people caught with a fake ID?
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  • What are the basic fines for speeding?
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  • Is it illegal to drive with headphones?
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  • Can flashing headlights change a red light?
  • Can I be fined if my passenger has no seatbelt?
  • Where are fire escapes in Seattle townhouses?
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  • Can motorcycles park on sidewalks?
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  • Is the left lane really just for passing?
  • Is car-to-sidewalk switch on bikes legal?
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  • Rear-end accident: Who’s at fault?
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  • Is there a quick way to get Seattle crime statistics?
  • Can you get a DUI on a bicycle?
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  • Why don’t police arrest more Critical Mass cyclists?
  • When do school speed zone limits apply?
  • Why do police speed without their lights and sirens?
  • Is it legal to drive with pets in your lap?
  • What are the local restrictions for Segways?
  • Questions may be edited or paraphrased.

    Categories: Answers for Readers
    Casey McNerthney