What is a "breathalyzer" test used for in DWI cases in Minnesota?

A breathalyzer test is specifically designed to measure the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by analyzing the amount of alcohol present in a person's breath. In DWI cases in Minnesota, law enforcement uses this tool to assess whether a driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. When a driver takes a breathalyzer test, the device calculates the percentage of alcohol in their bloodstream based on the breath sample provided.

This measurement is crucial in DWI cases, as the legal limit for BAC in Minnesota is typically 0.08% for adult drivers. Therefore, the results obtained from a breathalyzer test are essential for determining whether a driver has exceeded this legal limit and is thus committing an offense under DWI laws. Other options, while related to driving assessments, do not directly pertain to the primary purpose of a breathalyzer in DWI situations.