What is the goal of the roadside breath test (PBT) according to DUI laws?

The goal of the roadside breath test, or preliminary breath test (PBT), is primarily to estimate blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of a driver suspected of being under the influence. This non-invasive assessment provides law enforcement officers with an immediate indication of whether the driver's BAC exceeds the legal limit. If the test results indicate a potentially illegal BAC, it can lead to further investigation or arrest.

While there are other important aspects of DUI laws and enforcement, such as vehicle safety and the health of the driver, these are not the primary objectives of the PBT. The test does not serve to document legal findings; rather, it is meant to provide a preliminary assessment of alcohol impairment, thereby supporting the officer's decision-making process on whether to proceed with additional testing or charges.