Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

When you consume alcohol, traces of it enter your bloodstream. Your BAC measures how much alcohol is present in your bloodstream.

It is illegal for you to drive if you have a BAC of:

0.08% or higher if you are over 21 years old.
0.01% or higher if you are under 21 years old.
0.01% or higher at any age if you are on DUI probation.
0.04% or higher if you drive a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license.
0.04% or higher if you are driving a passenger for hire.

If you drive with an illegal BAC, a law enforcement officer can charge you with DUI. Even if your BAC is below legal limits, that does not mean it is safe for you to drive. Almost everyone feels negative effects of alcohol, even at levels lower than the legal limit. Depending on how badly you are impaired, you may be arrested and convicted of a DUI even without a BAC measurement.

The table below shows BAC estimates based on how many drinks are consumed, gender, and body weight. Remember, even one drink can affect your ability to drive safely.

Table displaying Blood Alcohol Concentration estimates based on how many drinks are consumed, gender, and body weight.