The Penny Myth and DWI Breath Tests: Why Sucking on a Penny Does Not Fool Intoximeters in North Carolina

The penny is being phased out of circulation. Stores are rounding totals. People are cashing in jars. In honor of the penny’s slow exit, it feels like the right time to retire another penny idea that should have disappeared a long time ago.

The myth that sucking on a penny can trick a breathalyzer.

You may have heard someone say that sucking on a penny can trick a breathalyzer. It sounds simple. It sounds clever. It has never worked.

If you are charged with DWI in North Carolina, your future depends on science and procedure. Not on pocket tricks.

Where the Penny Myth Came From

The myth started with the belief that copper can confuse breath testing machines. The idea was that copper would throw off the chemistry and lower a person’s alcohol concentration. It spread through movies, message boards, and late night conversations.

The truth is much simpler. Pennies are not solid copper. Modern pennies are mostly zinc with a very thin copper coating. Even a solid copper coin would not interfere with today’s breath testing devices.

How Intoximeters Actually Work

North Carolina uses Intoximeter machines for breath testing. These devices do not look for tricks. They measure alcohol two different ways.

• An infrared system that absorbs light at a known rate when alcohol is present.
• A fuel cell system that reacts to alcohol molecules directly.

Neither system can be thrown off by metal. A coin cannot change the chemical reaction inside a fuel cell. It cannot block infrared light. It cannot replace the presence or absence of alcohol.

A penny in your mouth does nothing.

What Putting a Penny in Your Mouth Really Does

If you put anything in your mouth during the observation period, the officer must restart the clock. North Carolina requires a clean 15 minute observation period before a valid test. Nothing can touch your mouth. No gum. No food. No liquid. No foreign objects.

If the officer rushes this step or misses something, that error can lead to a suppressed breath test result. The failure to follow the rules matters far more than any myth.

The Real Issues That Win DWI Cases

Winning a DWI case is not about gimmicks. It is about precision. We focus on the details that actually change outcomes.

• Was the stop lawful.
• Was the detention longer than allowed.
• Were the field sobriety tests administered correctly.
• Was the observation period handled properly.
• Was the machine certified and maintained.
• Did the officer follow each step of the protocol.

These small facts drive real results. They create opportunities for suppression. They shape negotiations and trial strategy.

Why Myths Hurt People Facing DWI Charges

Relying on false shortcuts can damage a defense. Jokes and rumors can make a person underestimate what they are facing or misunderstand what actually matters in court. A DWI conviction affects your license, insurance, employment, and everyday life.

You do not need myths. You need clear advice and a focused defense.

What You Should Do Instead

If you are stopped, you have rights. If you are charged, you have options. The strongest defense comes from discipline and preparation, not penny tricks.

We review every detail. We question every step. We protect your future with clarity and purpose.