Used mouthwash, lost his license after testing positive for alcohol

Lawyer Onur Mirici (37), who was traveling with his family from Mersin to Adana, used mouthwash in the vehicle due to a gum ailment. However, he was stopped at a traffic checkpoint shortly afterward. Mirici was shocked when he blew into the breathalyzer and the device showed 1.12 promille alcohol.

Despite stating that he had not consumed alcohol, his driver's license was confiscated for 6 months and he was issued an administrative fine of 9,267 Turkish Lira. Following this, Mirici gave a statement at the police station and went to Mersin Toros State Hospital to have an alcohol test performed to prove his innocence. When the test conducted at the hospital measured his alcohol level at 0.10 promille, Mirici applied to the Mersin 3rd Criminal Judgeship of Peace through his lawyer wife, Nalan. The court canceled the penalty imposed on the driver.

Describing the process he went through, Mirici said:

"I entered a police checkpoint and blew into the breathalyzer. I tested at 1.12 promille alcohol. They confiscated my license and issued a fine. Since I had not consumed alcohol, I went and had a blood test done. The test result came back as 0.10 promille. I had used mouthwash while on the road. It turns out it contained alcohol. I had never paid attention to that."

Stating that the decision could set a precedent, Mirici added:

"I am against driving under the influence. Citizens should definitely not drive while under the influence of alcohol. However, if they encounter such a result despite not having consumed alcohol, they should definitely have a blood test done and appeal the penalty."

News Source : İHA