Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Since the first practical device for breath alcohol analysis was introduced in 1930¹⁴, there has been a breakthrough in the conviction of drunken drivers. It has become an integral part of the traffic police and the emergency medicine department world wide. Extensive research has been done to authenticate its use and make it a scientific evidential proof to prove drunker drivers in the court oflaw. In India too it has been approved by Sec 185 of the Indian Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.¹¹ But most of the conviction has been based on clinical examination findings. Recently Delhi High Court has ordered all the Emergency Department in the Govt. Hospitals to install Breathalyzer. Therefore it is important for the Doctors and the police officers to know its scientific functions and expected legal complications in the court of law to make it a reliable scientific evidence.