The amount of alcohol in a person’s body is measured by the weight of the alcohol in a certain volume of blood. This is called the blood alcohol concentration or BAC. BAC measurements provide an objective way to identify levels of impairment because alcohol concentration in the body is directly related to impairment.

The BAC measurement is expressed as grams per deciliter (g/dl) of blood, and in most states, a person is considered legally intoxicated if his or her BAC is .08 g/dl or greater. Breath testing is the primary method used by law enforcement agencies for measuring BACs. At the time of the first face-to-face contact with a suspected impaired driver, techniques for detecting whether alcohol is present or absent can be performed easily by law enforcement officers during roadside stops using hand-held passive alcohol sensors. The use of these devices is non-invasive and can even be performed while the person is still in his or her vehicle.

The Effect of Alcohol on Ability

With each drink consumed, a person’s blood alcohol concentration increases. Although outward appearances vary, virtually all drivers are substantially impaired at .08 BAC. Laboratory and on-road research show that the vast majority of drivers, even experienced drivers, are significantly impaired at .08 with regard to critical driving tasks such as braking, steering, lane changing, judgment, and divided attention. Decrements in performance for drivers at .08 BAC are on the order of 40-60% worse than when they are at .00 BAC. Research findings suggest that the most crucial aspect of impairment is the reduction in the ability to handle several tasks at once. This skill is precisely what driving a motor vehicle requires.

The risk of being in a motor vehicle crash also increases as the BAC level rises. The risk of being in a crash rises gradually with each BAC level but then rises very rapidly after a driver reaches or exceeds .08 BAC compared to drivers with no alcohol in their system. Research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that the relative risk of being killed in a single-vehicle crash for drivers at BACs between .05 and .09 is 11 times that of drivers with no alcohol in their system.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits Across the United States

Blood alcohol content (BAC) limits are legal thresholds set by states or countries to define the maximum allowable concentration of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream while operating a vehicle. These limits are crucial for maintaining road safety, as even small amounts of alcohol can impair cognitive and motor functions, increasing the rk of accidents. BAC limits are typically expressed as a percentage, such as 0.08%, which is the standard limit in most U.S. states. However, these limits can vary based on regional policies, cultural attitudes towards alcohol, and the balance between public safety and social or economic considerations. For example, Utah has set a lower BAC limit of 0.05% to further reduce the incidence of drunk driving. Understanding BAC limits is essential for drivers to comply with the law and ensure safe driving practices.

State Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) %
Alabama 0.08%.
Alaska 0.08%.
Arizona 0.08%.
Arkansas 0.08%.
California 0.08%.
Colorado 0.08%.
Connecticut 0.08%.
Delaware 0.08%.
Florida 0.08%.
Georgia 0.08%.
Hawaii 0.08%.
Idaho 0.08%.
Illinois 0.08%.
Indiana 0.08%.
Iowa 0.08%.
Kansas 0.08%.
Kentucky 0.08%.
Louisiana 0.08%.
Maine 0.08%.
Maryland 0.08%.
Massachusetts 0.08%.
Michigan 0.08%.
Minnesota 0.08%.
Mississippi 0.08%.
Missouri 0.08%.
Montana 0.08%.
Nebraska 0.08%.
Nevada 0.08%.
New Hampshire 0.08%.
New Jersey 0.08%.
New Mexico 0.08%.
New York 0.08%.
North Carolina 0.08%.
North Dakota 0.08%.
Ohio 0.08%.
Oklahoma 0.08%.
Oregon 0.08%.
Pennsylvania 0.08%.
Rhode Island 0.08%.
South Carolina 0.08%.
South Dakota 0.08%.
Tennessee 0.08%.
Texas 0.08%.
Utah 0.05%.
Vermont 0.08%.
Virginia 0.08%.
Washington 0.08%.
West Virginia 0.08%.
Wisconsin 0.08%.
Wyoming 0.08%.