A Northern Territory L-plate driver apparently has more than just road laws and driving skills to study, after he was allegedly caught by roadside alcohol testing with a breath test of 0.190.
The incident occurred in the Northern Territory’s Alice Springs last week. The 19-year-old L-plater was stopped during random alcohol testing. After the roadside test, the teen was arrested and taken to the Alice Springs Watch House for further alcohol and drug testing.
He’s been charged with high range drink driving. As he was driving by himself and plates being displayed, he has also been charged with driving without a licensed driver and failing to display L plates.
Failed NT alcohol testing result for L-plater relatively unusual
While media outlets, including the NT News, has labelled the 0.190 alcohol testing result as almost four times over the legal limit, this isn’t correct. That’s because like most other regions of Australia, Northern Territory requires learners and probationary drivers to adhere to zero blood alcohol.
It should be said that while the Northern Territory incident is somewhat alarming, it is also relatively uncommon. That’s because for the most part, it is unusual for learner drivers in Australia to fail alcohol testing.
Due to the stringent nature of the zero alcohol rule, most L-platers adhere strictly to it. However, like the NT incident, there have been other instances where learner drivers have been caught in alcohol testing with readings above 0.00%. Leading to fines, loss of their learner permit and other legal consequences.
Can L-platers – or any driver – fail an alcohol test inadvertently?
If you need to adhere to zero blood alcohol, it is worth pointing out that you do need to be careful to ensure you don’t inadvertently fail alcohol testing. It’s important to understand that certain factors could lead to a failed alcohol test even if you believe you haven’t consumed any alcohol.
Here are five items any driver should be careful with, particularly if you need to stay at zero:
- Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can linger in the mouth and affect alcohol testing.
- Exposure to alcohol fumes in the air, such as in bars or parties, can sometimes influence a breath test result.
- Certain foods, like desserts or sauces that contain alcohol, may leave trace amounts in the mouth.
- Drinks like lemon, lime and bitters contains a small amount of alcohol, which could show up in a breath test.
- Some baked goods or desserts made with vanilla essence (which contains alcohol) can also impact the breathalyser reading.
It should be pointed that police will conduct secondary alcohol testing after a short wait. Often this period is enough for any remaining alcohol on the breath to dissipate. However, the initial positive result can be alarming for anyone, particularly a young and inexperienced driver.
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An L-plate driver in the Northern Territory has been caught with a BAC of 0.190. Credit Highway Patrol Images https://www.flickr.com/photos/special-fx/8615916140/
