Who is responsible for maintaining breathalyzer equipment?

The responsibility for maintaining breathalyzer equipment falls to certified technical personnel. This is because these individuals are trained specifically in the calibration, maintenance, and repair of breathalyzer devices to ensure they function accurately and reliably. Proper maintenance is crucial for the integrity of breath testing results, as malfunctioning equipment can lead to inaccurate readings, which can have significant legal implications in DWI cases.

Certified technical personnel understand the specific standards and protocols necessary for upkeep, including routine checks, adjustments for the devices, and documentation of maintenance activities. This specialized training is necessary because breathalyzers are complex devices that require precise technical knowledge to maintain effectively.

In contrast, while law enforcement officers may be responsible for administering breath tests and may undergo some training on the operation of the devices, they are not typically the ones maintaining the equipment. Similarly, the driver using the breathalyzer would not have the technical expertise required for maintenance, and the testing facility manager, while overseeing operations, would still rely on certified technical personnel for the actual maintenance work.