BAC Legal Limits in the United States
Federal Standard: 0.08% BAC
All 50 states and Washington D.C. have set the legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and over at 0.08%. Utah lowered its limit to 0.05% in 2018. Driving with a BAC at or above the limit constitutes a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) depending on the state.
BAC Limits by Driver Category
| Driver Category | BAC Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (21+) | 0.08% | All 50 states (Utah: 0.05%) |
| Commercial Drivers | 0.04% | CDL holders operating commercial vehicles |
| Under 21 | 0.00–0.02% | Zero-tolerance laws; varies by state (0.00%, 0.01%, or 0.02%) |
| Enhanced Penalties | 0.15–0.20% | Most states impose enhanced penalties at higher BAC levels |
Key Facts About DUI Laws
- Implied consent: By obtaining a driver's license, you consent to chemical testing if an officer has reasonable suspicion of impairment.
- Refusal penalties: Refusing a breathalyzer test can result in automatic license suspension in most states, often for 6-12 months.
- Impairment below 0.08%: You can still be charged with DUI at any BAC level if an officer determines you are impaired.
- DUI penalties: First offense typically includes fines ($500-$2,000), license suspension (90 days to 1 year), possible jail time, mandatory alcohol education, and increased insurance rates.
- Utah's 0.05% limit: Since December 2018, Utah has enforced a 0.05% BAC limit, the lowest in the nation.
The safest BAC for driving is 0.00%.
Even at BAC levels below the legal limit, alcohol impairs reaction time, judgment, and coordination. If you've been drinking at all, the safest choice is to not drive.