Do I Have To Do The Preliminary Breath Test (PBT)?

If you were driving, yes. If you show signs of intoxication after being pulled over by the police, the officer may ask you to take a “pretest” or preliminary breath test. The purpose of this portable breath test is to determine if you should be taken to the station for a more sophisticated breath test.

In other words, the PBT is used to establish probable cause to arrest you. Refusal to submit to a preliminary breath test is a Class V misdemeanor carrying a $100 fine and gives the officer probable cause to arrest you to be tested for DUI.