The breathalyzer testing machine detects alcohol molecules in an individual’s breath, which is presumed to correlate to an individual’s blood alcohol content. In Charleston and throughout South Carolina, the breathalyzer testing device used by law enforcement is the DataMaster machine.
In Charleston, a breathalyzer test administration should be recorded on video. An individual should be advised of their implied consent rights, most importantly their right to refuse the test. After a 20-minute waiting period, during which time the individual is observed on camera and in person by the arresting officer, the machine will be ready to accept the breath sample. If the individual has consented to the test, they will blow into the machine until it issues a reading of the individual’s blood alcohol content. This could take 15 to 20 seconds depending on how hard the individual blew or how much alcohol is in their system. There are specific, acceptable sample parameters for the DataMaster machine that should be met in order for a court to deem the sample admissible.