How does the accuracy of other breathalyzers
really compare to the ones the Garda use?

The AlcoDigital 3000 gives you exactly the same accuracy as the Garda units,
but for other "Personal" Breathalyzers on sale, it's a different story....

First, the Jargon...."accurate to 0.02% BAC @ 0.10%".  What does this really mean?
Figures like this are typical of semi-conductor based Personal Breathalyzers such as the AL6000 and AlcoSense Elite.  Many people read this and think it means that the reading is accurate to within just 0.02% - but the reality is somewhat different!   What it actually means is that the reading could read as much as 0.12%, or as little as 0.08%, and still be within manufacturer limits.  And the accuracy doesn't get better the lower the amount - in fact it usually gets worse!

So what do these figures really mean for me?
The new Irish limits are 0.02% (for Learners, Professionals etc) and 0.05% for everyone else. So a reading of 0.03% on the "Personal Breathalyzer" (well under the limit) could easily give a reading of 0.05% on the Garda device. A real-world difference of ± 40%!  And for those subject to the lower limit, even a reading of zero could still in reality be 0.02% - and you're now in court for a big fine and a ban.

So called "Garda Grade" Fuel Cell Breathalyzers will often quote a lower figure, of say 0.01% - but that's still a difference of up to 20% one way or the other!