What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for intoxication in many states?

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for intoxication in many states is set at 0.08. This standard reflects the point at which a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely is significantly impaired due to alcohol consumption.

The choice of 0.08 as the legal threshold is supported by research indicating that at this level, drivers exhibit reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased coordination, all of which contribute to an increased risk of accidents. Laws across most states in the U.S. align with this measurement, making 0.08 a widely recognized benchmark for legal intoxication. It serves as the basis for law enforcement and serves as a clear guideline for both drivers and the legal system in addressing cases of impaired driving.

Different values represent varying levels of impairment and are often used in discussions of alcohol’s effects on driving. However, 0.08 has been established as the commonly accepted limit for legal intoxication in driving laws.