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Arizona Law Enforcement: Bag Of Chips Won't Save You From DUI

Maricopa County’s top law-enforcement official has a message for folks planning to drink this Super Bowl weekend: don’t trust a bag of chips.

The warning comes as Tostito's breathalyzer chip bag gains increasing popularity throughout social media. The tortilla chip-maker is billing it as another method to avoid drinking and driving:

“If you had a drink and you blow on it, it turns red and gives you an Uber code" explains a recent TV ad.

If you don't pass, the bag suggests you take the ride-sharing app Uber, instead. The new technology has elicited all sorts of humorous responses from the internet and a resounding warning from law enforcement across the country.

“You cannot use a bag of chips or any device as an excuse for driving impaired,” Maricopa County Attorney's Office spokeswoman Amanda Jacinto told KJZZ.

Arizona is a strict liability state when it comes to DUI enforcement, meaning you don’t need to know if you are impaired, or what your alcohol level is, to be charged for a DUI. Also, it should be noted that the Tostito’s bag doesn’t actually give your blood-alcohol level.

“If you’re blowing into a bag, you’re already questioning your ability to drive sober,” Jacinto said.

So put down the chips and call a ride, instead.

Will Stone was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2015 to 2019.