Breathalyzers now legal for use in the Turks and Caicos Islands

#Providenciales, July 11, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – As of July 1^st testing the alcohol levels of drivers suspected of driving under the influence with breathalyzers is legal in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands police force last week gave some demonstrations ahead of the new legislation kicking in.

“This legislation has been on the books for a long time, probably tend years, but we’ve now been able to purchase state of the art equipment that would be used by officers on patrol, and then backed up by officers at the station.” – Commissioner James Smith

“As we talk about drunk driving and the signs and the symptoms of drunk driving, even though they may not have a breathalyzer here, they understand it because they have seen it on the road side as they make their own traffic stops.  So, this helps them one other step to determine actually what that individual is at the time.” – Mark Gilmer, Instructor

Earlier this year, Police Commissioner James Smith shared what levels read by the breathalyzers would be considered over the legal limit.

“When you have a breath limit over 35 mg of alcohol in 100mL of breath.”

Fines for breaking of this law are hefty.  And Residents are pushing back on the legal limit, saying it is too low.  Still the Police Force is ready to make use of these breathalyzers to combat drinking and driving.

“We prefer that persons know that we’re out there and don’t drink and drive than we have to catch two or three people for drinking and driving after they’ve killed somebody.  So, we expect persons to know that we are out there and use the opportunity not to drink and drive.” – Inspc. Winston Diamond

“I think for members of the public they should be assured that the officers are highly trained, well skilled and this is great equipment.” – Commissioner James Smith

#MagneticMediaNews

#BreathalzyersinTCI