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How long can alcohol be detected in your system?

On Behalf of | Mar 30, 2022 | DUI Defense

Do you know how long alcohol can be detected in your system? If not, the answer to how long certain tests can detect alcohol may surprise you. 

You should understand that the amount of time alcohol can be detected in your system depends on your body, fat content, how much you drank, and weight. Because of this, there’s no specific amount of time that alcohol can be detected in everyone’s system. While this is true, there are some guidelines to keep in mind. 

Alcohol detection tests

If you are pulled over for suspected DUI in Florida, the police will likely want to conduct a test to determine if alcohol is in your system. Even if it has been several hours since you had a drink, it doesn’t mean you’ll be in the clear. For example, the amount of time alcohol can appear on common tests include:

  • Breath tests between 12 hours and 24 hours
  • Saliva and blood tests up to six hours
  • Urine tests 12 hours to 72 hours
  • Hair tests up to three months later

Most police don’t conduct hair tests for DUI, but it’s good to know how long alcohol can be detected with this test if you are on parole or probation and a condition of your release is not drinking. 

Intoxication facts you should know

The effects of alcohol can take 15 minutes or more for you to feel, depending on your weight. Also, the effects of alcohol can last longer than you expect, which means you should avoid getting behind the wheel for at least 12 hours after drinking to be safe. If you are arrested for DUI in Florida, make sure that you have experienced legal guidance.