People get arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) offenses in all kinds of situations. Sometimes, young adults trying to get home after their first time trying alcohol get arrested. Other times, professionals operating semi-trucks get arrested at checkpoints.
Adults involved in car crashes are usually subject to chemical testing, and they could face DUI charges if they fail a chemical test. A per se DUI offense occurs when a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the limit. However, there are actually three different limits included in state law that drivers may need to observe.
Minors have the lowest limit
There is a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking in place. Those who are not old enough to consume alcohol legally could get arrested when they drive completely normally. The BAC limit for those under the age of 21 is 0.02%. Young drivers may not even notice any signs of intoxication at that level.
Truckers are held to a higher standard too
The average adult driver is subject to the most lenient BAC limit under state law. They are at risk of prosecution when they display impaired abilities or have a test result of 0.08% or higher. Professionals operating commercial vehicles, such as buses or 18-wheelers, are subject to a stricter limit. Police officers can arrest commercial drivers for a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
Understanding legal limits is the first step toward avoiding a DUI arrest or successfully fighting a DUI charge. Motorists who want to avoid the worst consequences of a DUI conviction may need help responding to accusations of a per se DUI offense due to elevated alcohol levels, and that’s okay.