Why Dräger’s Alcotest 5820 still matters on the roadside

Reviewed: ad hoc news Software & Services desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-19, 01:57. Details in the imprint.

With the Alcotest 5820, Dräger wants to give police officers a tool that disappears in the hand but dominates at the roadside. The dark housing, the bright display and the single illuminated button signal one thing in stressful checks - keep it simple, keep it clear.

What the Alcotest 5820 does

The Alcotest 5820 is a compact handheld breath alcohol tester aimed at professional users such as police, security services and workplace safety officers. It uses Dräger’s electrochemical sensor technology, designed for precise measurement of alcohol in breath even at low concentrations.

In practice, that means the device is ready for use within seconds and provides a reading in a short time window after the test subject has blown into the mouthpiece. The measurement is shown on a backlit display that remains legible even in poor lighting on the roadside.

Operation that stays simple under stress

Dräger equips the Alcotest 5820 with a clear menu structure and a single navigation button, so officers can operate the device even with gloves on. Acoustic and optical signals guide the measurement, from the blow phase through to the final result.

The mouthpieces are designed to be changed quickly and hygienically, which matters when multiple tests are carried out in succession. The device can store measurement data, enabling documentation and later evaluation within official procedures.

Design, robustness and power

Externally, the Alcotest 5820 follows Dräger’s established design for its alcohol testers, with a robust plastic housing and an ergonomic shape that sits securely in the hand. The instrument is intended to operate reliably over a wide temperature range that covers typical roadside conditions.

Power is supplied by replaceable batteries, which is practical for long shifts without charging infrastructure. The device is specified for low power consumption, so fresh batteries should last through many tests before needing replacement.

Where it fits in Dräger’s lineup

The Alcotest 5820 sits below high-end models with extended data management and connectivity, but above very simple screening devices. It targets users who need legally relevant measurements and basic documentation without a fully connected fleet solution.

Dräger’s alcohol testers are used worldwide by law enforcement and vocational safety customers, and the 5820 follows this tradition as a mid-range workhorse. Depending on the market, the device can be ordered with different configuration options and accessories.

Availability and pricing

Dräger markets the Alcotest 5820 primarily through its direct sales and specialist distributors in the safety and law-enforcement segment. In Germany and other European countries, the device is typically sold as a professional product rather than through mass retail channels.

Price information for the Alcotest 5820 varies by configuration, accessories and tender conditions. For private users, Dräger instead offers consumer-oriented devices, while the 5820 remains clearly targeted at professional buyers.

Company context and stock reference

The Alcotest 5820 underlines how Drägerwerk combines medical and safety technology into a broad portfolio, from hospital ventilators to alcohol and drug detection at the roadside. Shares of Drägerwerk (DE0005310304) trade in Germany, among others on Xetra in euros.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.