How long must you observe a person before collecting a breath specimen?

The correct response is based on the standard protocol that requires an observation period of 20 minutes before collecting a breath specimen. This observation time is critical to ensure that any factors that could potentially affect the accuracy of the breath test results, such as the consumption of substances that might skew the readings—like alcohol or certain medications—are accounted for. During this period, the individual should not have access to any food, drink, or substances that can alter the test outcome. By enforcing this observation period, the integrity and reliability of the breath specimen can be maintained, leading to accurate test results that are essential for enforcement actions and legal proceedings. This practice is standardized in many jurisdictions to ensure fairness and validity in the testing process.