Hampshire and Thames Valley police forces launched the world’s first practical trial of a nitrous oxide breathalyser on May 12, using the device to detect impaired drivers under the influence of laughing gas, or NOS. Acting Superintendent Emma Hart of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit confirmed the tests ran smoothly and provided the first real-world data on the device’s effectiveness.
Previously undetectable on standard roadside tests, laughing gas—commonly inhaled for its short-lived euphoric effects—has become a growing concern for road safety. The breathalyser, developed by Respira Technologies following research at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, promises to fill a critical gap in policing impaired driving.
💡 Pro Tip
Law enforcement agencies should integrate this device with existing roadside screening protocols to ensure consistency and reliability in detecting nitrous oxide impairment.
Acting Superintendent Hart stated, “We don’t yet know the full extent of NOS use on our roads, but this technology allows us to detect impairment up to two hours after ingestion. That gives us a clearer picture of risk and helps us target education and enforcement where it’s needed most.” Preliminary results show the device performs as expected, with operational teams reporting high usability and reliable readings.
| Device Feature | Current Standard | NOS Breathalyser |
|---|---|---|
| Detection Time | Immediate only | Up to 2 hours |
| User Interface | Complex lab testing | Simple roadside test |
| Purpose | Limited to alcohol | Detects nitrous oxide |
Pepijn Van Rutten, CEO of Respira Technologies, said the trial marked a pivotal moment for the device, which has been under development for years. “We’ve tested it in labs, but today is the first time it’s been used in real traffic stops,” he said. “The goal was to make it as simple as an alcohol breath test, and early signs suggest we’ve succeeded.” He added that, while the immediate focus is road safety, the technology could eventually aid in detecting respiratory conditions like asthma or lung cancer.
Key Points
- ✅ First real-world trial of a nitrous oxide breathalyser by Hampshire and Thames Valley police
- ⚡ Device detects laughing gas use for up to two hours after ingestion
- 💡 Could transform road safety by identifying previously undetectable impairment
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones called the initiative “really exciting” and aligned with her road safety priorities. “Thirty-two-and-a-half thousand accidents and injuries happen on Hampshire roads each year—that’s far too many,” she said. “We’re pushing boundaries to make our roads safer, and this device could be a game-changer.” Hampshire police have not yet announced when the device will be fully deployed or whether other forces will adopt it.
📋 By The Numbers
- 32,500 — Annual road accidents and injuries in Hampshire
- 12 May — Date of first field trial
- 2 hours — Detection window post-nitrous oxide use
The trial comes amid a surge in nitrous oxide abuse, particularly among young drivers seeking a cheap, short-lived high. While the drug is legal to possess, its misuse behind the wheel poses a growing threat. Respira’s breathalyser could become the first line of defense in curbing this trend.
- Field Testing — Hampshire and Thames Valley police conducted the first real-world trial on May 12
- Detection Capability — Device identifies nitrous oxide use for up to two hours after ingestion
- Operational Feedback — Early results show high usability and reliable readings
With no current way to measure nitrous oxide impairment at the roadside, police have relied on circumstantial evidence—such as canisters found in vehicles or erratic driving—to suspect intoxication. This device could eliminate guesswork, providing officers with immediate, actionable data. The long-term goal for Respira is to refine the technology for broader use, including potential medical applications.