Greek and Cypriot drivers' breathalyzer tricks proved ineffective

Drivers in Greece and Cyprus have circulated a range of methods they claim can fool police breathalyzer tests, including drinking strong coffee, chewing mint gum, eating onions or lemon, swallowing vinegar, using energy drinks, carbon tablets, or even holding their breath.

Scientific studies and law‑enforcement agencies explain that modern breathalyzers do not detect the scent of alcohol but measure the amount of ethanol in exhaled air, which directly reflects blood‑alcohol concentration. Consequently, none of the listed tricks reduces the device reading; some, such as breath‑holding or weak exhalation, can actually raise the result.

The article notes that these myths have persisted for decades across many countries despite lacking scientific validation, and that the only reliable way to avoid a positive test is not to drive after drinking.