It’s one of the oldest (and most ridiculous) myths in the pub, but it doesn’t stop people trying it.
Sucking a 2p piece is an age-old ploy by drunk drivers to try to beat police breathalysers and swerve a driving ban.
Only it doesn’t work. Ipswich driver Daniel Potts found this out the hard way when he was pulled over by police last month, according to the Ipswich Star.
But he didn’t just stick a 2p coin in his mouth – he really went for it, sticking 11p in there. But it still didn’t fool the police breathalyser.
Officers heard a clinking sound when they took him down to the station and found he had been sucking coins.
Potts, of Woodbridge Road, told police he tried the trick because his friend, whom he calls “2p Dave”, claims to have “got off” a charge by doing it.
The 25-year-old was banned for 40 months by magistrates after he admitted drink-driving, driving with no insurance, and obstructing a police constable.
The bottom line is, no matter what you try, the breathalyser will also be able to read your blood alcohol content.
Don’t drink and drive. Here’s some guidance on drink drive limits and laws from THINK!
