MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND
TECHNOLOGY S.Z.A BHUTTO CAMPUS, KHAIRPUR MIR’S
DEPARTMENT
OF
ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
PROJECT REPORT
SUBJECT: CONTROL SYSTEM
SUB.TEACHER: ENGR. FALAK NAZ
DATE: 03-11-2025
K22ES001…………..Fayaz Khan Mahar
K-22ES017…………Jahangir badar
K22ES025…………..Farhan Ali
Alcohol detector using Arduino and MQ3 sensor
Abstract:
This project presents the design and implementation of an Alcohol Detection System using Arduino and an
MQ-3 gas sensor. The system is capable of detecting the presence of alcohol vapors in the breath of an
individual and providing a warning signal using a buzzer and LED indicators. This system aims to reduce
road accidents caused by drunk driving by acting as a preventive measure and an alert system. The MQ-3
sensor is sensitive to alcohol concentration and produces an analog output that the Arduino processes to
determine the level of alcohol detected.
Introduction:
Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the major causes of road accidents globally. To address this
issue, various technologies have been developed to detect alcohol levels before a person operates a vehicle.
This project aims to design a cost-effective and portable Alcohol Detector using an Arduino microcontroller
and MQ-3 sensor that detects alcohol presence in a person’s breath and provides a visual and audible alert if
the alcohol concentration exceeds a threshold.
Objectives:
1. To design and implement an alcohol detection circuit using Arduino and MQ-3 sensor.
2. To provide alert indications through LED and buzzer upon detection.
3. To demonstrate how such a system can be integrated into vehicles to enhance safety and prevent
accidents.
Literature Review:
Various research and development projects have focused on alcohol detection systems using gas sensors.
The MQ-3 sensor is one of the most widely used sensors for alcohol detection because of its high sensitivity
and fast response. Previous studies have shown that integrating MQ-3 with Arduino enables reliable
monitoring and digital interpretation of alcohol levels. Such systems are practical in developing smart
vehicles that can prevent ignition if alcohol is detected from the driver’s breath.
Hardware Components Used:
• Arduino UNO
• MQ-3 Alcohol Sensor
• Buzzer
• LED Indicators (Red, Green)
• Jumper Wires
• Breadboard
• USB Cable and Power Supply
Methodology & Procedure:
1. System Setup:
First, the MQ-3 alcohol sensor is connected to the Arduino UNO’s analog input pin, while LEDs and
a buzzer are connected to the digital output pins. A 220Ω resistor is used in series with the LED to
limit current. The Arduino is powered via USB or an external 5V supply.
2. Sensor Calibration:
Before detection, the MQ-3 sensor is allowed to stabilize for a few minutes in fresh air. This ensures
accurate readings by establishing a baseline resistance corresponding to zero alcohol concentration.
3. Analog Signal Reading:
The Arduino continuously reads the analog voltage from the MQ-3 sensor. This voltage varies
depending on the alcohol concentration in the surrounding air — higher alcohol levels reduce the
sensor’s resistance, resulting in a higher analog output.
4. Threshold Comparison:
The Arduino program compares the sensor reading to a predefined threshold value.
This threshold represents the alcohol concentration level at which an alert should be
triggered.
5. Output Activation:
If the sensor reading exceeds the threshold, the Arduino turns on the LED and buzzer,
providing both visual and audible warnings. If the reading is below the threshold, the
LED and buzzer remain off.
6. Continuous Monitoring:
The system continuously monitors the air for alcohol vapors in real-time, updating the
outputs immediately when the concentration changes.
Circuit Diagram and their Connections:
Working Principle:
In this project, the MQ-3 alcohol sensor is connected to the Arduino, which reads its output and responds
based on the alcohol level detected. The sensor sends an analog voltage to the Arduino that changes
depending on the amount of alcohol in the air. When alcohol vapors are present, the sensor’s resistance
decreases, causing the output voltage to increase. The Arduino continuously monitors this signal and, if the
alcohol level crosses the set threshold, it turns on LEDs and activates a buzzer to give a warning. This setup
allows the system to detect alcohol and provide immediate visual and sound alerts.
ARDUINO MQ3 CODE: –
//put this code for LED in the ide of arduino from this line
Int LED = 9;
Int ALCOHOL_sensor = 3;// MQ-6 SENSOR
Int ALCOHOL_detected;
Void setup()
{
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(LED, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ALCOHOL_sensor, INPUT);
}
Void loop()
{
ALCOHOL_detected = digitalRead(ALCOHOL_sensor);
Serial.println(ALCOHOL_detected);
If (ALCOHOL_detected == 1)
{
Serial.println(“ALCOHOL detected…”);
digitalWrite(LED, HIGH);
}
Else
{
Serial.println(“No ALCOHOL detected “);
digitalWrite(LED, LOW);
}
}
//For buzzer put this code in Arduino IDE
Int LED = 9;
Int BUZZER = 10;
Int ALCOHOL_sensor = 3;// MQ-3 SENSOR
Int ALCOHOL_detected;
Void setup()
{
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(LED, OUTPUT);
pinMode(BUZZER, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ALCOHOL_sensor, INPUT);
}
Void loop()
{
ALCOHOL_detected = digitalRead(ALCOHOL_sensor);
Serial.println(ALCOHOL_detected);
If (ALCOHOL_detected == 1)
{
Serial.println(“ALCOHOL detected…”);
digitalWrite(LED, HIGH);
digitalWrite(BUZZER, HIGH);
}
Else
{
Serial.println(“No ALCOHOL detected.”);
digitalWrite(LED, LOW);
digitalWrite(BUZZER, LOW);
}
}
Results & Observations:
The prototype successfully detected alcohol vapors from a small distance and provided immediate visual
(LED) and audible (buzzer) alerts. The system’s sensitivity can be adjusted through code calibration or using
a potentiometer on the MQ-3 module. The results confirm that the project effectively identifies alcohol
concentration in the air, demonstrating potential for real-world vehicle integration.
Conclusion & Future Scope:
This project demonstrates a simple yet effective method for alcohol detection using Arduino and MQ-3
sensor technology. It can be integrated into vehicles to prevent accidents due to drunk driving.
Future improvements may include digital display of alcohol concentration, GSM alert systems for authorities,
and integration with vehicle ignition systems for enhanced safety.
References:
1. Techatronic.com - Alcohol Detector Using Arduino and MQ3 Sensor.
2. Arduino.cc - Arduino UNO Documentation.
3. MQ-3 Sensor Datasheet by Hanwei Electronics.Research Papers on Gas Sensing and
Embedded Systems.
