During the 20-minute observation period, what items are drivers prohibited from consuming?

During the 20-minute observation period, drivers are prohibited from consuming items like alcohol, gum, and mouthwash to ensure the accuracy of a breath test for measuring blood alcohol concentration. This observation period is critical because consuming any of these substances can affect the results of the breathalyzer and may lead to misleading readings of alcohol levels in the bloodstream.

Alcohol consumption is explicitly prohibited, as it directly impacts the alcohol content that the breathalyzer measures. Additionally, gum and mouthwash may contain alcohol or other substances that could alter the breath test results, resulting in potentially inaccurate measurements. This strict guideline is in place to maintain the integrity of the testing process and ensure that the consequences of driving under the influence are assessed accurately. Therefore, by preventing the consumption of these items, law enforcement can uphold the reliability of the evidence collected during the DUI traffic stop.