Impaired driving laws differ for each state in the US. Almost every state enforces a 0.08% BAC restriction, except for Utah, which implements a 0.05% BAC limit.
A BAC level of 0.08% is generally equivalent to two standard alcoholic drinks, but this number might vary because people react differently to alcohol.
This article includes general information regarding BAC limits and related fines for each US state.
If you want to visit a specific state, please read our whole article about the state because the restrictions, legislation, and fines differ by location.
Alabama
You can be charged with DUI (driving under the influence) if you drive with a 0.08% BAC level in Alabama.
The following penalties may apply for DUI offenders in Alabama:
- Up to 10 years imprisonment
- Fines ranging from $600 to $10,000
- License suspension of up to five (5) years
Read the full article about Alabama’s DUI laws here.
Alaska
Driving with a BAC level of 0.08% in Alaska is also illegal. Violating DUI laws in the state may result in the following penalties:
- Imprisonment
- Fines
- Installation of Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
- Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation Referral
Check our full article about DUI laws and penalties in Alaska here.
Arizona
In Arizona, drivers can face DUI penalties if their BAC level is higher than 0.08%, 0.04%, or higher for commercial drivers and 0.00% or higher for drivers under 21. Penalties could include:
- At least ten days of jail time
- At least $1,250 fine
- Suspension of license for at least 90 days
- Mandatory use of IID
Learn more about Arizona’s DUI laws here.
Arkansas
Arkansas implements a BAC level limit of 0.08%. Offenders of DUI laws may receive the following punishment:
- Up to four (4) years of license suspension
- Up to one year of imprisonment
- Fines ranging between $150 to $5,000
Read more details about DUI laws and penalties in Arkansas here.
California
The legal BAC level in California is 0.08%. A DUI offender may face the following penalties:
- Up to six months in prison
- Payment of the fine
- Impoundment of vehicles
- Civil lawsuits if you cause severe harm or death while driving while impaired.
Find out more about drunk driving laws in California here.
Colorado
In Colorado, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. However, you can still be charged with DWAI (driving with impaired ability) if you drive with a BAC level of 0.05% and higher.
Depending on the gravity of your case, you may receive the following punishment if you drive while impaired in Colorado:
- Up to 60 consecutive days in prison
- A fine of up to $1,500
- Up to two years license suspension
- Volunteer work up to 120 hours
Read the full article about Colorado’s BAC limits, DUI laws, and penalties here.
Connecticut
The legal BAC limit in Connecticut is 0.08%. Driving with this BAC level or more will result in an OUI (Operating Under the Influence) charge.
DUI offenders in Connecticut may face the following penalties:
- Imprisonment of up to three years
- Fines of up to $8,000
- Suspension of license
- IID installation
Check the full article about DUI laws and penalties in Connecticut here.
Delaware
In Delaware, the legal limit for blood alcohol is 0.08%. You may face administrative and legal consequences if you have committed a DUI offense in Delaware.
The following are the DUI penalties in Delaware.
- Jail time for up to five years
- Up to a $7,000 fine
- Completion of drug and alcohol abstinence and treatment program
- Up to 24 months of license revocation
Read more about Delaware’s DUI laws here.
Florida
Florida’s legal BAC limit is 0.08%. An individual may be charged with a DUI in Florida if caught operating a vehicle with a BAC level of 0.08% or more. Some of the punishments that an offender may face are:
- Fines range from $500 to $2,000 (even greater for subsequent offenders)
- Up to five years imprisonment
- Up to 90 days impoundment of the vehicle
Check our full article about impaired driving in Florida here.
Georgia
Georgia also implements a 0.08% BAC limit. DUI penalties in GA may include the following:
- Jail time
- Community service
- License suspension
- Fines
Find out more about Georgia’s drunk driving laws here.
Hawaii
The BAC restriction in Hawaii is 0.08%. DUI sanctions are enforced in Hawaii if your BAC level is higher than 0.08% or 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers.
Consequences for DUI offenders may include the following:
- Up to five years of imprisonment
- License revocation for up to five years
- Vehicle seizure
Read more about Hawaii’s DUI laws and BAC limits here.
Idaho
Like other states, Idaho also enforces a BAC limit of 0.08%. Idaho’s DUI driving penalties may include the following:
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Jail time up to five years
- Suspension of license for up to five years
- IID installation
Check our full article about DUI laws and BAC limits in Idaho here.
Illinois
In Illinois, the BAC limit is 0.08%. DUI offenders in Illinois may face the following charges:
- License suspension for up to ten years
- A fine of up to $25,000
- Maximum sentence of seven years in prison
Read the full article about DUI laws in Illinois here.
Indiana
The legal BAC limit in Indiana is 0.08%. The Indiana government enforces DUI driving laws to prevent drunk driving. Some of the DUI penalties are as follows:
- Imprisonment for up to three years
- Maximum of $10,000 fine
- License suspension for up to ten years
Learn more about DUI laws and penalties in Indiana here.
Iowa
Iowa enforces a BAC limit of 0.08% in the state. Violating Iowa’s DUI laws may result in the following consequences:
- A fine ranging from $1,250 to $9,375
- A maximum of five years in prison
- License suspension for up to six years
Check the full article regarding DUI penalties and laws in Iowa here.
Kansas
If your BAC is 0.08% or more, you will be charged with DUI in Kansas. The following are some of the DUI penalties in Kansas.
- Imprisonment from 90 days to one year
- Maximum of $2,500 fine
- One-year suspension of driver’s license
- Installation of IID on the offender’s vehicle for up to three years
Find out more about the DUI laws in Kansas here.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, the state government implements a BAC limit of 0.08%. Violating this law will result in apprehension and consequences, which may include the following:
- Imprisonment for up to 12 months
- Paying fines for up to $1,000
- Revocation of license for up to 36 months
Read our full article about Kentucky’s DUI laws and BAC limits here.
Louisiana
A driver with a BAC level of 0.08% can be charged with DUI in Louisiana. Offenders of DUI laws may face the following sanctions:
- A maximum of $2,000 fine
- Up to five years in jail
- Three years of suspension
- Installation of IID
- Vehicle impoundment
Check our full article about impaired driving in Louisiana here.
Maine
Maine’s legal BAC limit is 0.08%. Violating this state law may result in an Operating Under the Influence (OUI) charge, which may entail the following penalties:
- Fines from $500 above
- Up to five years of jail time
- Suspension of license for up to six years
Learn more about Maine’s OUI laws and penalties here.
Maryland
In Maryland, driving with a BAC of 0.08% and higher will result in a DUI charge. However, you should note that you can be charged with DWI (driving while impaired) if your driving capacity is hindered by alcohol or drugs, even if your BAC level is below 0.08%.
Penalties for DUI in Maryland are as follows:
- A fine of $2,000
- Imprisonment for up to two years
- License suspension for up to one year
On the other hand, DWI penalties may include the following:
- $500 fine
- Up to one year in prison
- Up to twelve months of suspension
Find out about the DUI and DWI laws in Maryland here.
Massachusetts
The legal BAC limit in Massachusetts is 0.08%, just like the other states in the US. DUI penalties may include the following:
- Prison sentence for up to two and a half years
- Fines ranging from $500 to $50,000
- License suspension from 45 days up to 10 years (indefinite revocation for 5th and subsequent offenders)
Check our article about Massachusetts’ DUI laws here.
Michigan
It is unlawful for Michigan drivers to operate a motor vehicle with a 0.08% BAC level. DUI penalties in Michigan entail the following:
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Up to five years in jail
- License revocation
Read the full article regarding Michigan DUI laws and penalties here.
Minnesota
The legal BAC limit in Minnesota is 0.08%. Violating this statute will result in a DWI charge which involves penalties such as the following:
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $14,000
- Up to seven years of imprisonment
- Suspension of license
- IID installation
For more information about DWI laws in Minnesota, read our full article here.
Mississippi
The legal BAC limit in Mississippi is 0.08%. DUI offenders may receive the following punishment in Mississippi:
- Up to ten years in prison
- Fines ranging from $600 to $10,000
- License revocation
Find out more about Mississippi’s DUI laws and penalties in our full article here.
Missouri
Missouri’s legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%. A driver who operates a vehicle with a BAC level of 0.08% or higher can be arrested for DWI. DWI penalties in Missouri are as follows:
- Maximum of seven years in prison
- Up to $5,000 fine
- Up to 10-year license revocation
Learn more about Missouri’s DWI laws and BAC limits here.
Montana
In Montana, the BAC limit is also 0.08%, similar to other states. DUI offenders may face the following punishment in Montana:
- Up to one year in jail
- $600 to $5,000 fine
- One-year license revocation
Read our full article about Montana’s drunk driving laws here.
Nebraska
A legal BAC limit of 0.08% is also enforced in Nebraska. People who violate this limit may receive the following consequences:
- Up to one year in jail
- Fines ranging between $500 to $1,000
- Maximum of 15 years license suspension
Check our full article about Nebraska’s DUI laws and penalties here.
Nevada
The allowable BAC limit in Nevada is 0.08%. The Nevada DUI penalties are mentioned below.
- Maximum of six years imprisonment
- Fines ranging from $400 to $2,000
- Up to three years of license revocation
Read our full article about Nevada’s DUI laws for more information.
New Hampshire
Driving with a BAC level of 0.08% and above in New Hampshire will result in a DWI charge. Here are some of New Hampshire’s DWI penalties:
- Up to $2,000 fine
- Jail time depends on the severity of the case and the number of DWI offenses.
- Up to indefinite suspension of license
Find out more about New Hampshire’s BAC limits and DWI laws here.
New Jersey
New Jersey also enforces a BAC limit of 0.08%. Penalties for a DUI charge may include the following:
- Maximum of 180 days of imprisonment
- Up to $1,000 plus other fees and surcharges
- Revocation of license for up to ten years
Read our full article regarding New Jersey’s DUI laws here.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, exceeding the 0.08% BAC limit may result in a DWI or driving while intoxicated charge. DWI penalties in New Mexico may include the following:
- Up to 18 months in prison
- Maximum of $5,000 fine
- Up to lifetime suspension of driver’s license
Check the full article about New Mexico’s drunk driving laws here.
New York
You can get charged with DWI in New York if your BAC is 0.08% or higher. If your BAC is 0.05% to 0.07%, or you have poor driving skills due to alcohol, you may face charges for DWAI.
Here are some of the DWI and DWAI penalties in NY:
- Maximum sentence of seven years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- Suspension of license for a minimum of six months
Read our full article here for more details about New York’s DWI laws.
North Carolina
Drivers in North Carolina must not operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Otherwise, it will result in a DWI charge, which entails the following:
- Fines from $200 to $4,000
- Up to two years of imprisonment
- License revocation
- IID installation
Learn more about North Carolina’s DWI laws here.
North Dakota
Driving is not permitted in North Dakota for anyone with a BAC of 0.08%. DUI charges are brought when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is exceeded.
DUI punishment in North Dakota may include the following:
- Up to one year and one day in jail
- Up to $2,000 fine
- Probation for up to two years
Read more information about North Dakota’s DUI laws in our full article.
Ohio
The legal BAC limit in Ohio is 0.08%. Violation of the set BAC limit may lead to a DUI charge. Ohio’s DUI penalties can include the following:
- Maximum of one (1) year in jail
- Fines ranging from $375 to $2,750
- Up to 12 years of license revocation
Check our full article regarding Ohio’s DUI laws.
Oklahoma
Driving with a 0.08% BAC or higher can get you arrested for DUI in Oklahoma. Individuals who violate DUI laws may face the following penalties:
- Imprisonment of up to ten years
- Up to $5,000 fine
- License revocation from 180 days up to three years
Read the full article on Oklahoma’s DUI laws here.
Oregon
A driver’s BAC of 0.08% or higher is prohibited in Oregon. Oregon’s DUI penalties may include the following:
- Up to five (5) years of imprisonment
- $1,000 up to $125,000 fines
- One-year up to lifetime license revocation
Learn more about Oregon’s DUI laws and penalties here.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania also enforces a BAC limit of 0.08%. Some of the penalties involved in Pennsylvania DUI are as follows:
- Prison sentence for up to two (2) years
- Up to $5,000 fine
- Up to twelve (12) months of license suspension
Read our full article about Pennsylvania’s DUI laws.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, it is illegal for drivers to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent. Infractions of this law will result in a DUI charge, which may carry the following consequences:
- Jail time of not more than five years
- Maximum of $5,000 fine
- Suspension of license for up to three years
Check the full article about Rhode Island’s drunk driving laws here.
South Carolina
South Carolina also implements a BAC level limit of 0.08%. DUI penalties in South Carolina include:
- Sixty (60) days up to five (5) years in prison
- Up to $10,000 fine
- License Suspension for up to seven years
Find out more about South Carolina’s DUI laws and penalties here.
South Dakota
Operating a motor vehicle in South Dakota with a BAC level of 0.08% is illegal. You can face the following sanctions if you are convicted of DUI in SD:
- Up to ten (10) years in prison
- Maximum of $20,000
- Up to three (3) years of license revocation
Learn more about South Dakota’s drunk driving laws here.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s legal BAC restriction is 0.08%. DUI offense in Tennessee is punishable by the following:
- Maximum of one-year imprisonment
- Fines from $600 to $15,000
- Up to eight years (8) years of license revocation
Read the full article regarding Tennessee’s DUI laws, penalties, and BAC limits here.
Texas
Like other US states, Texas also enforces a BAC limit of 0.08%. DUI penalties in Texas may include the following:
- Imprisonment for up to ten (10) years in prison
- Fines of up to $10,000
- License suspension for up to two (2) years
Check our full article about DUI laws in Texas here.
Utah
Utah has stricter DUI laws among the states as it implements a BAC limit of 0.05%. Penalties for DUI offenses in Utah may include the following:
- Up to five (5) years in jail
- Up to $1,500 plus surcharges and court fees
- License revocation, as decided by the court
Read the full article about Utah’s DUI laws and penalties here.
Vermont
Vermont implements a BAC limit of 0.08%. DUI offenders may face the following sanctions in Vermont:
- Maximum of five (5) years imprisonment
- Up to $2,500 fines
- Up to lifetime license revocation
Learn more about Vermont’s DUI laws and penalties in this full article.
Virginia
Driving in Virginia with a BAC level of 0.08% is prohibited. Violating the DUI laws in Virginia is punishable with the following penalties:
- Jail time, as decided by the court
- A fine ranging from $250 to $1,000
- One year up to indefinite license suspension
Read our full article about Virginia’s DUI laws.
Washington
The legal BAC threshold in Washington is 0.08%. You may receive the following penalties if you fail to comply with DUI laws in Washington:
- Up to one-year imprisonment
- Fines ranging between $350 to $5,000
- 90 days to three years of license revocation
Learn more about Washington’s DUI penalties and BAC limits here.
West Virginia
West Virginia’s legal BAC limit is 0.08%. DUI penalties in West Virginia may entail the following:
- Up to five (5) years in prison
- $100 to $5,000 fines
- License revocation
Check our full article regarding West Virginia’s DUI laws here.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin implements a BAC limit of 0.08% in the state. Violators may be arrested for OWI (operating while intoxicated) and may face the following sanctions:
- Imprisonment for up to six years
- $350 to $10,000 fine
- Maximum of three (3) years of license revocation
Find out more about the DUI laws in Wisconsin here.
Wyoming
You will be charged with a DUI for driving with a 0.08% BAC level or higher in Wyoming. Some of the penalties may include the following:
- Maximum of six months in jail
- Up to $3,000 fines
- Maximum of three years suspension of license
Read the full article about Wyoming’s DUI laws here.
Please be aware that this post aims to spread awareness about the United State’s laws against drunk driving. The website does not support driving while intoxicated in any region.
It’s crucial to remember that everyone’s body reacts to alcohol differently. An individual’s BAC levels depend on different factors. As a result, we only provide an estimate of alcohol intake in our articles, which may not be accurate for everyone.
You can estimate your BAC level using a BAC chart or our BAC calculator. However, an alcohol breathalyzer is the best tool for determining your precise BAC.
Obeying Impaired Driving Laws in the US
Driving when intoxicated or affected by drugs or alcohol is dangerous. It might result in collisions that endanger you and other drivers as well.
It is essential to know the dangers of drunk driving. If you are driving, try to limit your alcohol consumption as much as you can. If you’re drunk, you may consider using taxis, car-hailing services, or asking a buddy to drive for you.
Make it a practice to research the state’s most updated BAC restrictions and regulations against drunk driving before traveling.