MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is the primary use of a PBT?

1. Issue a civil infraction

2. Establish Reasonable Suspicion

3. Make a valid arrest based on Probable Cause

4. Conduct a field interview

The correct answer is: Make a valid arrest based on Probable Cause

The primary use of a PBT, or portable breath tester, is to establish reasonable suspicion regarding a driver's level of intoxication and whether further investigation, such as a potential arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or similar offenses, is warranted. While it is essential to note that the PBT does not provide enough evidence to make a valid arrest based solely on its results, it serves as a tool for officers to gather initial evidence that can support the establishment of reasonable suspicion. If the results from the PBT indicate a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above a certain threshold, this may lead officers to formulate probable cause for an arrest. However, the PBT itself cannot be used as the sole basis for a legal arrest; further investigation, including standardized field sobriety tests and additional evidence, is typically required. In summary, while the PBT assists in the overall process of assessing a potential DUI scenario, its primary function is to help establish reasonable suspicion rather than confirm probable cause for arrest on its own.