The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Mississippi is 0.08% or 80 milliliters of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. Commercial drivers can be apprehended if caught driving with a BAC level of 0.04%. A driver can be arrested for impaired driving even with a lower BAC.
One or two standard alcoholic drinks usually cause a person to reach or exceed the legal BAC limit of 0.08%. However, this number is only a rough estimate because a person’s BAC is affected by a wide range of factors, including gender and weight.
Before we continue discussing impaired driving laws in Mississippi, it is essential to note that the purpose of this article is to spread awareness about Mississippi’s drunk driving laws. This website does not endorse or promote impaired driving in any state or region.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is unlawful in Mississippi. In 2020, there were 752 alcohol-related car accidents in Mississippi, according to records. Twenty-one percent of these accidents involved drivers with BAC levels greater than 0.08%.
The government of Mississippi implements impaired driving laws to combat drunk driving in the state. Hence, you must check your blood alcohol level before getting behind the wheel. You may use an alcohol breathalyzer to check if your blood alcohol level is within Mississippi’s legal limit.
Calling a cab or using Uber or a designated driver service as an alternative to driving is also better.
We recommend visiting Mississippi’s Drivers Service Bureau website to stay updated on DUI driving laws and regulations.
Legal Alcohol Limit When Driving in Mississippi
Driving safely necessitates being able to focus, make wise decisions, and act fast in emergency situations. Alcohol compromises these abilities, placing you and others in danger.
In Mississippi, you would be prosecuted for drunk driving if you were discovered operating a vehicle with a BAC level of 0.08% or greater.
The government set BAC limits to cut the number of fatal accidents involving drunk drivers.
Although the state has set a legal BAC limit of 0.08%, it is crucial to understand that every person responds to alcohol differently. After a few bottles, some people may lose consciousness.
Your blood alcohol content can be affected by some factors, such as the following:
- gender
- weight
- use of medication
- stress levels
- alcohol consumption level
You can calculate the maximum amount of alcohol you should consume before driving with a BAC calculator and chart. However, these techniques might not be the best option for everyone because everyone’s response to alcohol is unique.
A certified alcohol breathalyzer is still the best way to determine your BAC.
Punishments for Drinking and Driving in Mississippi
The amount of intoxication and other factors influence the level of impairment. A person typically seems normal when their blood alcohol level is between 0.010% and 0.029%.
However, alcohol-related impairment indicators become increasingly apparent as BAC levels rise.
The laws governing DUI vary from state to state. Administrative and legal repercussions may follow driving under the influence. Have your blood alcohol level checked before you drive to avoid penalties.
Mississippi DUI penalties are outlined in detail below.
First DUI Offense in Mississippi
- Jail Time: 48 hours imprisonment
- Fines: $250 to $1,000
- License Suspension: 120 days suspension of driving privileges or issuance of ignition interlock-restricted license
- Alcohol Awareness Education: Completion of Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP)
Second DUI Offense in Mississippi
- Jail Time: Five days to six months of imprisonment
- Fines: $600 to $1,500
- License Suspension: One-year suspension of driving privileges or issuance of ignition interlock-restricted license
- Alcohol Awareness Education: Completion of MASEP
Third DUI Offense in Mississippi
- Jail Time: One to five years in prison
- Fines: $2,000 to $5,000
- License Suspension: The offender’s license will be suspended for the duration of their sentence. After being released from jail, the individual will be eligible for only an interlock-restricted license for three (3) years.
- Alcohol Awareness Education: Completion of MASEP
- Diagnostic Assessment: The offender will be assessed for substance abuse. If the assessment determines that the offender requires treatment, the offender must complete treatment.
Fourth DUI Offense in Mississippi
- Jail Time: Two to ten years in prison
- Fines: $3,000 to $10,000
- License Suspension: The offender’s license will be canceled for the duration of their sentence. After being released from jail, the individual will be only eligible for an interlock-restricted license for ten (10) years.
- Alcohol Awareness Education: Completion of MASEP
- Diagnostic Assessment: The offender will be assessed for substance abuse. If the assessment determines that the offender requires treatment, the offender must complete treatment.
Suspension
All suspension periods begin 45 days after the grounds for the suspension are entered on the driver’s DPS (Department of Public Safety) record.
Appeals
Any driver who appeals the judgment of the municipal or justice court must file a “Notice of Appeal” with DPS within 30 days of the date of conviction.
Ignition Interlock Device
A court may order the placement and use of an ignition interlock device (IID) in any vehicle driven by a convicted or non-adjudicated person.
Each device must be installed and maintained for the duration specified by the court. The device must be installed before the driver’s license is suspended due to a DUI conviction or non-adjudication. The court should issue a written order requiring the ignition-interlock restricted license.
An ignition-interlock restricted license is required for anyone who installs an IID.
After installing the IID, the driver must take the vehicle to the Department of Public Safety for verification of the installation and to obtain the ignition-interlock restricted license.
When Can You Drink and Drive in Mississippi?
How people respond to alcohol is influenced by a variety of circumstances. One aspect that affects a person’s blood alcohol level is their gender. According to studies, males and females have different BACs.
Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) levels are substantially higher in men than women. These enzymes are responsible for the quick alcohol metabolism in men. As a result, men absorb alcohol at a higher rate than women.
The information below may be helpful if you’re uncertain how much alcohol you can legally consume before driving in Mississippi.
However, even though the following information is supported by research, it might not apply to everyone because everyone’s body responds to alcohol differently.
How Many Bottles of Beers Can You Drink and Drive in Mississippi?
BAC calculators show that an individual with a lighter weight may have a higher BAC.
For instance, after consuming a 12-ounce (350 ml) beer, a male who weighs 72 kg (160 lbs) may have a blood alcohol content of 0.02%.
In contrast, a woman of equal size who consumes the same amount of beer may have a BAC of 0.03%.
If you want to stay within Mississippi’s legal limit, limit your beer consumption to one to two bottles.
How Many Glasses of Wine Can You Consume and Drive in Mississippi?
A standard glass of wine (5 oz/142 ml) can contain up to 12% volume of alcohol.
Using the same examples above, one to two glasses of wine are sufficient to reach Mississippi’s allowable BAC level.
How Much Whiskey or Vodka Can You Drink and Drive in Mississippi?
Distilled spirits such as vodka or whiskey contain 40% alcohol by volume.
If you plan to drive after drinking, one to two shots of distilled spirits is enough.
Sticking to DUI Laws in Mississippi
There are many misconceptions regarding the effects of alcohol on safe driving. Every driver should be aware of the risks of DUI and make all possible efforts to avoid it.
It is not recommended to drive while impaired. Once alcohol enters your system, you lose control of your vehicle and yourself.
Don’t presume that your blood alcohol content and driving prowess are safe, even if you’ve only had a little bit of alcohol. If you’re intoxicated, you should consider using another form of transportation rather than driving.
Check your BAC to ensure it is below the legal limit if you intend to drive after drinking. Your blood alcohol content may be precisely determined with a reputable alcohol breathalyzer.
Visit the Mississippi Driver Service Bureau website to stay informed about state DUI laws.
