In Brazil, the policy is "zero tolerance" for alcohol while driving. Technically, the limit is 0.04 mg/L (milligrams per liter of alveolar air), as up to this value is considered the device's margin of error. Above this, the driver is already fined. If the value is equal to or greater than 0.34 mg/L, the driver may face criminal charges for driving under the influence of alcohol and can be arrested in the act.

Source: CFC – Federal Accounting Council

The breathalyzer test is done with the driver blowing into a tube connected to the device, which measures alcohol concentration in the air exhaled from the lungs. The result is immediate and expressed in milligrams of alcohol per liter of alveolar air (mg/L). The procedure is simple, non-invasive, and can be used as proof of intoxication. Refusal to take the test also carries penalties.

Source: Civil Police of Paraná

The time varies according to the body and amount consumed. On average, the body eliminates one unit of alcohol (one beer or one glass of wine) every 1 to 2 hours. After drinking moderately, it's advisable to wait 6 to 12 hours before driving. If there was excessive consumption, it's only safe to drive the next day. The ideal is to use alternative transportation.

Source: Olhar Direto

Yes, the driver can refuse to take the breathalyzer test. However, refusal is treated by law as a very serious violation, based on Article 165-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code. The penalty includes a fine of R$ 2,934.70, suspension of the right to drive for 12 months, and vehicle retention. In addition, if there are clear signs of intoxication, the driver can still be fined or even arrested for a traffic crime.

Source: Federal Highway Police

Alcohol can be detected on the breathalyzer for up to 12 hours after consumption, depending on the amount ingested, type of beverage, weight, and individual metabolism. On average, the body takes 1 to 2 hours to eliminate one unit of alcohol. That is, even "waiting a bit" after drinking, there's still a risk of being caught in the test. The ideal is not to drive after consuming alcohol.

In rare cases, fermented foods like bread or very ripe fruits can generate minimal traces of alcohol in the mouth. However, these residues generally do not significantly affect the breathalyzer result, especially with more modern models. To avoid false positives, it's recommended to wait 15 minutes after eating or using mouthwash before taking the test. Drinking alcohol, yes, causes a detectable and punishable result.

One unit of alcohol represents approximately 10 grams of pure alcohol. In Brazil, this equals about one can of beer (350 ml), one glass of wine (100 ml), or one shot of spirits (30 ml). Metabolism varies according to weight, sex, and individual metabolism. Even small amounts can be detected on the breathalyzer, especially in tests done right after consumption.

Source: Drauzio Varella

The average elimination time is 1 to 2 hours per drink of alcohol, but may vary according to age, weight, food intake, hydration, and metabolism. After drinking, alcohol can be detected on the breathalyzer for up to 12 hours. The only reliable method to "clean" the body is time. Coffee, cold showers, or other tricks do not accelerate alcohol elimination.

Source: Dr. Consulta

If the test shows a value equal to or above 0.05 mg/L, the driver suffers a very serious violation, with a fine of R$ 2,934.70 and license suspension for 12 months. If the result is equal to or above 0.34 mg/L, it constitutes a traffic crime, with possibility of imprisonment and judicial license suspension. Permanent loss of the license can occur in repeat or aggravated cases.

Source: Autoesporte

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends maximum moderation: up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 for men, considering a standard drink of 10g of pure alcohol. However, WHO also warns that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, especially when related to driving, where the ideal recommendation is zero consumption before driving.

Source: INCA – Ministry of Health

If the breathalyzer test shows a value between 0.05 and 0.33 mg/L, the driver suffers a very serious violation, with a fine of R$ 2,934.70, license suspension for 12 months, and points on the license. If the value is equal to or greater than 0.34 mg/L, it's considered a traffic crime, with risk of imprisonment, judicial fine, and license revocation. Refusal also generates the same administrative fine.

The ethylometer is the technical name for the device known as a breathalyzer, used to measure alcohol concentration in the air exhaled by a person. It is widely used by traffic authorities to identify drivers under the influence of alcohol. The result is presented in mg/L of alveolar air, and values above the legal limit can generate fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment, depending on the case.

Source: Agência Brasil

The breathalyzer works by analyzing air exhaled from the lungs. It detects alcohol concentration in alveolar air and converts it to a measurement in mg/L (milligrams per liter). There are models with electrochemical or infrared sensors, and official ones are regularly calibrated. The test is quick and reliable when done correctly, being used by authorities as legal proof of alcohol consumption while driving.

Source: Toda Matéria

Brazil enforces a strict zero-tolerance (0.00% BAC) policy for alcohol while driving. Technically, the threshold for administrative action on the breathalyzer is 0.05 mg/L, but the law treats any detectable alcohol as grounds for penalty. Even low levels below this may result in fines if there are signs of impairment. If the breathalyzer result reaches 0.34 mg/L or higher, it is considered a criminal offense, with harsher sanctions including detention and risk of license revocation.

The logic behind the zero-tolerance approach is that any amount of alcohol impairs reaction time, coordination, and judgment. There is no safe lower limit, and attempting to 'calculate' how much you can drink before driving is not recommended. Penalties for testing positive include fines over R$ 2,900, license suspension for 12 months, and possible criminal charges. Even refusing the breathalyzer will result in equivalent administrative consequences under Brazil's Traffic Code. For total safety and legal compliance, always avoid drinking any alcohol before driving.

Source: Doutor Multas

While you technically have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test in Brazil, the law considers this refusal as a "grave infraction" under Article 165-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code. Refusing the test results in the same penalties as being caught over the legal limit: a fine of R$ 2,934.70, twelve months license suspension, and retention of your vehicle. This policy aims to prevent drivers from escaping sanctions simply by not cooperating. If police suspect impairment and you refuse testing, they can still apply administrative penalties and, in certain cases, proceed with criminal charges if there is evidence of drunkenness, such as erratic driving or visible symptoms.

The refusal provision is designed to close loopholes and reinforce the zero-tolerance stance. If in doubt about your condition, do not drive. Relying on refusal will not protect you from significant penalties or legal consequences.

Source: Polícia Rodoviária Federal

Virtual breathalyzer calculators provide estimates based on scientific formulas like the Widmark formula, considering weight, gender, amount of alcohol consumed, and time elapsed. However, actual BAC can vary ±20% or more due to individual factors such as:

• Metabolism rate – varies significantly by individual

• Food intake – significantly slows alcohol absorption

• Hydration levels – affects alcohol concentration

• Age – older individuals metabolize alcohol more slowly

• Liver function – primary organ for alcohol processing

• Medications – can interact with alcohol metabolism

While these calculators are useful educational tools to understand how alcohol affects your body, they should never be used to determine fitness to drive. The only reliable way to measure precise BAC is through blood analysis or a certified breathalyzer device calibrated to Brazilian standards (Inmetro).

Always err on the side of caution—if you've consumed any alcohol, use alternative transportation instead of driving. Remember, Brazil enforces zero tolerance (0.00% BAC) for alcohol while driving, meaning any detectable amount can result in fines of R$ 2,934.70, license suspension for 12 months, and criminal charges at levels of 0.34 mg/L or higher.

Source: Scheuerman Law

If you are caught driving over the alcohol limit in Brazil, you will not only face an immediate fine of R$ 2,934.70, but also a suspension of your driver's license for 12 months. For BAC levels equal or above 0.34 mg/L in breath, the case escalates to a criminal offense, with potential for jail time, judicial suspension or revocation of your CNH (Brazilian driver's license), and even permanent loss of driving privileges for repeat or aggravated offenses.

In addition, the vehicle may be confiscated at the scene, and you must complete a mandatory driver retraining course ("curso de reciclagem") before being eligible to recover your license. These regulations are enforced strictly to reduce traffic injuries and deaths from drunk driving. Even if the infraction occurs due to refusal of the breathalyzer, the same penalties apply. To protect yourself and others, avoid any drinking before driving, and choose alternatives like public transport or rideshare services.

Source: Autoesporte

The breathalyzer limit of 0.05 mg/L can be reached with just one can of beer (350 ml), depending on your metabolism, body weight, sex, whether you ate food, and how quickly you drank. For adults with smaller body mass or slower metabolism, even half a beer or a single glass of wine could potentially trigger a positive test result above the administrative threshold. Because individual factors vary so widely, it’s not possible to reliably predict how much alcohol is "safe" from a legal standpoint.

Testing positive could result in heavy fines, license suspension, or criminal charges, even if you feel sober. In Brazil's zero-tolerance regime, the safe option is never to drive after drinking any quantity of alcohol, regardless of how little it seems.

Source: Connvert