Even after having just one drink, alcohol can begin to affect your body and mind. And while it’s always safe to have someone else drive you home, most adults still have the ability to safely make it back with a small amount of alcohol in their system.
Across the nation, the legal limit for driving after consuming alcohol is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08%. Anything higher will result in a DWI arrest, which can have a serious impact on your future. But did you know that the legal limit for drinking and driving is not the same for every driver?
Zero tolerance policy
The states also abide by a zero tolerance law, which is a policy that applies to underage drivers. Zero tolerance policies forbid underage drivers from consuming any amount of alcohol. However, the numbers do differ from state to state. Some make it illegal for drivers under the age of 21 to have a BAC of .02% while driving, which is the equivalent of having one drink.
Minnesota, along with a handful of other states, crack down even harder. They put that percentage at .00%, meaning even a sip of alcohol might register on a breath or chemical test.
Commercial vehicle drivers
While most commercial truck drivers are likely over the age of 21, the legal limit for drivers with commercial driver’s licenses is half of that of the normal legal BAC limit. This means that if you are on the job driving a commercial vehicle, an officer can charge you with a DWI for having a BAC of .04%.
Don’t let a DWI impact your life
No matter what kind of driver you are, the penalties for drinking and driving can be severe and life-changing. Fines, jail time, loss of driving privileges, community service and driver safety programs are just some of the consequences you may be facing. A DWI can even affect your current and future employment ambitions if you aren’t careful.
That’s why it’s crucial to defend yourself against a DWI charge. You still have rights even after a DWI arrest, and it’s in your best interest to protect yourself and your future.
