Section 9
Alcohol and Drugs: practice questions
Alcohol and Drugs
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Do California's DUI laws apply to medicine prescribed by your doctor?
- No, only to alcohol and illegal drugs.
- Yes, if it affects your ability to drive.
- Only if you take more than the prescribed dose.
Answer
Yes, if it affects your ability to drive.
DUI law makes no distinction between illegal drugs and medicines from a doctor or pharmacy. Any drug that impairs your driving counts.
The law does not see a difference between illegal drugs and medications you get from a doctor or pharmacy. They can all affect your ability to drive safely and react to what you see and hear.
9 · Alcohol and Drugs No matter what age you are, it is illegal to drive after: Taking any drug that affects your ability to drive. This includes prescriptions or over-the-counter medications.
9 · Alcohol and Drugs -
How does your tolerance to alcohol change as you get older?
- It decreases.
- It increases.
- It stays the same.
Answer
It decreases.
As you age, your tolerance to alcohol decreases, which increases the risk of alcohol-related driving problems.
9 · Alcohol and Drugs -
Is it illegal to drive after taking a large amount of cough syrup that contains alcohol?
- Yes; alcohol in any form counts.
- No; medicines are exempt from DUI law.
- Only if it was not prescribed to you.
Answer
Yes; alcohol in any form counts.
No matter what age you are, it is illegal to drive after: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in any form. This includes medications like cough syrup.
9 · Alcohol and Drugs -
You had one beer and took an allergy pill. Together they make you drowsy. May you drive?
- No; their combined effect is what counts.
- No; you may never drive after taking any medicine.
- Yes; each alone is within safe limits.
Answer
No; their combined effect is what counts.
No matter what age you are, it is illegal to drive after: Using any combination of alcohol or drugs that decreases your ability to drive safely.
9 · Alcohol and Drugs -
An officer who suspects DUI asks you to take a blood test, and you refuse. What happens?
- A one-year suspension or revocation.
- Nothing, because the test is voluntary.
- You get a warning noted on your record.
Answer
A one-year suspension or revocation.
If a law enforcement officer thinks you are driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they have the right to ask you to take a blood or urine test. If you refuse to take one, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year.
9 · Alcohol and Drugs If you refuse, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege.
9 · DUI Arrests -
A 15-year-old is convicted of riding a bicycle under the influence. What can happen?
- Nothing; DUI laws don't cover bicycles.
- A fine only, with no effect on driving.
- A one-year delay in getting a license.
Answer
A one-year delay in getting a license.
If you are 13 to 20 years old and convicted of operating a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your driving privilege may be suspended or delayed for one year once you are eligible to drive.
9 · Alcohol and Drugs
Use or Possession of Alcohol or Cannabis Products in a Vehicle
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When is it legal for a person to drive with an alcoholic beverage container that has been opened?
- If the container is under the front seat.
- If the container is in the trunk of the vehicle.
- If the container is in the glove compartment.
Answer
If the container is in the trunk of the vehicle.
If you are carrying any alcohol or cannabis in your vehicle, the container must be sealed and unopened. If it is open, you must keep the container in the trunk or place where passengers do not sit.
9 · Use or Possession of Alcohol or Cannabis Products in a Vehicle From the DMV's Class C Test #4
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You are driving your own car. May your passenger drink a beer or eat a cannabis edible?
- No; the rule covers everyone in the car.
- No; no alcohol may be in the car at all.
- Yes, if the driver is sober.
Answer
No; the rule covers everyone in the car.
It is illegal to drink any alcohol, to smoke or eat a cannabis product while you are driving or riding as a passenger in a vehicle.
9 · Use or Possession of Alcohol or Cannabis Products in a Vehicle -
In which of these may a passenger have an open container of alcohol?
- In the back seat of a car.
- In the cab of a pickup.
- In a taxi.
Answer
In a taxi.
The open-container rules don't apply to passengers in a bus, taxi, camper or motorhome.
This law does not apply if you are a passenger in a bus, taxi, camper, or motorhome.
9 · Use or Possession of Alcohol or Cannabis Products in a Vehicle
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
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What does BAC (blood alcohol concentration) measure?
- How many drinks you have had.
- The alcohol in your bloodstream.
- How long since your last drink.
Answer
The alcohol in your bloodstream.
Your BAC measures how much alcohol is present in your bloodstream.
9 · Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits -
You are 25. What is the lowest BAC at which it is illegal for you to drive?
- 0.05%.
- 0.10%.
- 0.08%.
Answer
0.08%.
It is illegal for you to drive if you have a BAC of: 0.08% or higher if you are over 21 years old.
9 · Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits -
You are 19. What is the lowest BAC at which it is illegal for you to drive?
- 0.05%.
- 0.08%.
- 0.01%.
Answer
0.01%.
It is illegal for you to drive if you have a BAC of: 0.01% or higher if you are under 21 years old.
9 · Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits -
A 35-year-old is on DUI probation. What is the lowest BAC at which it is illegal for them to drive?
- 0.01%.
- 0.04%.
- 0.08%.
Answer
0.01%.
It is illegal for you to drive if you have a BAC of: 0.01% or higher at any age if you are on DUI probation.
9 · Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits -
When you drive a passenger for hire, what is the lowest BAC at which driving is illegal?
- 0.08%.
- 0.01%.
- 0.04%.
Answer
0.04%.
It is illegal for you to drive if you have a BAC of: 0.04% or higher if you are driving a passenger for hire.
9 · Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits 0.04% or higher if you drive a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license.
9 · Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits -
Your BAC is below the legal limit. Is it safe to drive?
- Not necessarily; alcohol affects you below it.
- Yes; the limit is set at the safe level for all.
- Yes, as long as you feel completely fine.
Answer
Not necessarily; alcohol affects you below it.
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.
9 · Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits -
Can you be convicted of DUI without a BAC measurement?
- Yes, depending on how impaired you are.
- No, a BAC reading is always required.
- Only if you refused to be tested.
Answer
Yes, depending on how impaired you are.
Depending on how badly you are impaired, you may be arrested and convicted of a DUI even without a BAC measurement.
9 · Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits -
Which of these affects how high your BAC rises from drinking?
- How long you have been driving.
- The time of day you drink.
- Your body weight and gender.
Answer
Your body weight and gender.
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.
9 · Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits -
What is the fewest drinks that can affect your ability to drive safely?
- Three.
- One.
- Enough to reach 0.08%.
Answer
One.
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.
9 · Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits -
You are about to ride a jet ski on a lake. What does the law say about drinking alcohol?
- You may not drink while you operate it.
- You may drink, since you're off the road.
- You may drink if you stay under 0.08%.
Answer
You may not drink while you operate it.
It is illegal to drink alcohol or take drugs when you are operating a boat, jet ski, water skis, aquaplane, or similar vessels.
9 · Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
DUI Arrests
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By driving in California, what have you agreed to?
- A search of your car at any traffic stop.
- A breath test at any traffic stop at all.
- A chemical test if suspected of DUI.
Answer
A chemical test if suspected of DUI.
When you drive in California, you consent to a breath, blood, or urine test if a law enforcement officer suspects you of DUI.
9 · DUI Arrests -
You took a breath test after being stopped for DUI. May you still be required to take a blood or urine test?
- No, one test is the limit.
- Yes, to check for drugs.
- Only if your breath test was over 0.08%.
Answer
Yes, to check for drugs.
If you agreed to take a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) or breath test, you may still be required to take a blood or urine test to detect the presence of drugs.
9 · DUI Arrests -
Under the Administrative Per Se law, what happens when you are arrested for DUI?
- Nothing, until a court convicts you.
- You get a warning letter from the DMV.
- The DMV suspends your driving privilege.
Answer
The DMV suspends your driving privilege.
Administrative Per Se requires the DMV to suspend your driving privilege when you are arrested for DUI, separate from any court case.
If you are arrested for DUI: California’s Administrative Per Se law requires DMV to suspend your driving privilege.
9 · DUI Arrests -
After a DUI arrest, the officer takes your license. What may you be given?
- A 30-day temporary license.
- A 10-day temporary license.
- A 6-month restricted license.
Answer
A 30-day temporary license.
If you are arrested for DUI: The law enforcement officer may take your driver’s license and give you a temporary driver’s license for 30 days.
9 · DUI Arrests -
After a DUI arrest, how long do you have to request a DMV administrative hearing?
- 10 days from the arrest.
- 30 days from the arrest.
- 5 days from the arrest.
Answer
10 days from the arrest.
If you are arrested for DUI: You may request a DMV administrative hearing within 10 days from the date of your arrest.
9 · DUI Arrests
DUI Convictions
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If you are convicted of DUI, what must you complete?
- A traffic violator school course.
- A DUI program.
- A new behind-the-wheel test.
Answer
A DUI program.
If you are convicted of a DUI, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege and you: Must complete a DUI program.
9 · DUI Convictions -
After a DUI conviction, which form must you file with the DMV?
- An SR-1 traffic collision report.
- A DS 699 driver reexamination request.
- An SR 22 insurance proof certificate.
Answer
An SR 22 insurance proof certificate.
If you are convicted of a DUI, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege and you: Must file a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22/SR 1P).
9 · DUI Convictions -
After a DUI conviction, what may you be required to install on your vehicle?
- A speed-limiting device.
- An ignition interlock device.
- A dashboard camera.
Answer
An ignition interlock device.
If you are convicted of a DUI, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege and you: May be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.
9 · DUI Convictions -
A DUI conviction can bring a jail sentence of up to:
- Six months.
- 30 days.
- Two years.
Answer
Six months.
A DUI conviction can mean up to six months in jail, along with fines and other penalties.
Here are some additional penalties if you are convicted of DUI: You may be sentenced to up to six months in jail.
9 · DUI Convictions -
How long does a DUI conviction stay on your driver's record?
- 36 months.
- Five years.
- 10 years.
Answer
10 years.
DUI convictions stay on your record for 10 years, and another DUI in that time can bring added penalties.
All DUI convictions remain on your driver’s record for 10 years. If you get any other DUIs during that time, the court or DMV may give you an additional penalty.
9 · DUI Convictions
Drivers Under 21
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A later test shows a 19-year-old driver's BAC is 0.05%. What may happen?
- Arrest for DUI and license suspension.
- Nothing, since it is under 0.08%.
- A warning, since it is a first stop.
Answer
Arrest for DUI and license suspension.
If you are under 21 years old If a later test shows you have a BAC of 0.05% or higher, you may be arrested for a DUI and your driving privilege may be suspended.
9 · Drivers Under 21 -
A driver under 21 is convicted of DUI with a BAC of 0.01% or more. What may happen?
- A 30-day suspension and no DUI program.
- A fine only, since it's under 0.08%.
- One-year revocation and a DUI program.
Answer
One-year revocation and a DUI program.
If you are under 21 years old If you are convicted of a DUI with a BAC of 0.01% or higher, DMV may revoke your driving privilege for one year. You must also complete a licensed DUI program.
9 · Drivers Under 21 -
You are 19 and not working. When may you carry alcohol in your car?
- Any time the container is sealed and unopened.
- Only when it is locked in the trunk.
- Only with someone 21 or older, sealed.
Answer
Only with someone 21 or older, sealed.
Possessing alcohol: You may not carry any alcohol beverage inside a vehicle unless an individual who is 21 years old or older is with you. The container must be full, sealed, and unopened. If opened, the alcohol must be kept in the trunk or place where passengers do not sit.
9 · Drivers Under 21 -
A driver under 21 is caught with alcohol in the car. How long can the car be impounded?
- Up to 10 days.
- Up to 30 days.
- Up to one year.
Answer
Up to 30 days.
You may not carry any alcohol beverage inside a vehicle unless an individual who is 21 years old or older is with you. If you are caught with alcohol in your vehicle, law enforcement can impound your vehicle for up to 30 days.
9 · Drivers Under 21 -
A driver under 21 caught with alcohol in the car may have their license suspended for:
- 30 days.
- Six months.
- One year.
Answer
One year.
The court may fine you and suspend your driver’s license for one year. If you do not already have a driver’s license, the court may ask DMV to delay giving you your first driver’s license for up to one year.
9 · Drivers Under 21 -
An officer suspects a 19-year-old driver has been drinking. What can the officer require?
- A breath test or other chemical test.
- Nothing, without proof of a 0.08% BAC.
- A field walking test, but no breath test.
Answer
A breath test or other chemical test.
If an officer suspects a driver under 21 has been drinking, they can require a hand-held breath test, PAS, or other chemical test.
Consuming alcohol: If a law enforcement officer suspects you of consuming alcohol, they can require you to take a hand-held breath test, PAS, or another chemical test.
9 · Drivers Under 21