Beer, Wine, Alcohol and DUI Laws

Before we answer this question, let us first define the term “legal limit.” Legal limit, in the area of drinking, is the tolerable alcohol level, above which makes an individual subject to legal penalties. Legal limits are tested and measured through a breathalyzer or a blood alcohol test. These limits are usually defined by state law. Since each state have different DUI or DWI laws, these limits may vary, but the basis and grounds of the laws remain the same. Legal limits also have subjective factors such as the person’s age and occupation.

The legal alcohol limit while driving is based on the blood alcohol content found in the driver’s blood. The blood alcohol content or BAC is the unit of measure that indicates how much alcohol is in the blood. Breathalyzers simplify the typically confusing method of getting the BAC.

The legal limit standard BAC for ALL states is 0.08% or 80 mg/DL for drivers aged 21 years old or older, operating a motor vehicle. All drivers younger than 21 years old, are not allowed to have any level of alcohol in their system while operating a motor vehicle. However, operators of big motor vehicles, such as buses, and other carriers, are only allowed a BAC of 0.01%, while pilots are only allowed 0.04% BAC, given that alcohol was only consumed within 8 hours.