Forensic Tests for Alcohol: Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Program Checking Stations

Through the FTA’s partnership with the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, the BAT Mobile Unit Program maintains a fleet of ten BAT mobile units (three spare units and seven active units). These units are predominately used by law enforcement officers at DWI checking stations across the state.

The BAT mobile units are state-of-the-art, purpose-built vehicles that serve as DWI processing centers. They are 30 to 45 feet in length and are operated by BAT Coordinators. BAT Coordinators are trained in the complete breath alcohol testing process, and the units are furnished with breath alcohol testing instruments, a magistrate’s office, fingerprinting equipment, and multiple workstations.

The presence of the BAT mobile unit at DWI checking stations saves time, improves efficiency, and acts as a high-profile deterrent to impaired driving. Without the BAT mobile unit, law enforcement officers must transport DWI suspects to a traditional breath testing facility, a magistrate’s office for processing, and then a detention facility to be fingerprinted. Having this well-lit and clearly marked BAT mobile unit at checking stations sends a clear message to discourage motorists from driving while impaired.

BAT Mobile Regions