Government Proposes Strict Rules For Breath Analyzers And Radars To Enhance Accuracy

The government has proposed regulations aimed at enhancing the accuracy and reliability of breath analyzers to assist in catching drivers under the influence of alcohol. These rules are expected to reduce disputes related to driving under the influence charges significantly. According to the draft notification from the Department of Consumer Affairs, these devices will be required to operate in specific ways, such as displaying only the final measurement, printing results via a printer, avoiding paperless operations, providing additional information with results, and displaying alcohol levels in different formats.

Breath Analyzer Validation

Under the Legal Metrology Act, new breath analyzers must be validated and stamped, while existing devices in use must undergo validation and stamping within one year of the notification being enforced. The department states that this validation will help prevent inaccuracies leading to wrongful fines and strengthen compliance with legal and office regulations. The process of ensuring the sensor's accuracy and providing correct readings for breath analyzers is referred to as calibration. A study conducted a few years ago by the Institute for Road Traffic Education in Delhi found that several breath analyzers were providing incorrect readings.

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 Radar Validation and Calibration Rules

The government will also introduce rules for the validation and calibration of Doppler and microwave sensors used for measuring vehicle speeds. According to the proposed regulations, new radar devices must undergo validation and stamping within one year of the notification being issued, while existing radars will undergo validation and stamping during their re-verification period.

New Radar Rules 

The rules also specify that if a radar records vehicle speed, it must include information such as date, time, recorded speed, and direction of travel. Traffic experts believe this government initiative will reduce complaints of incorrect fines, especially concerning speeding limits and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol.

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