It is unlawful to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% (80 ml of alcohol/100 ml of blood) in Oregon. Operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher can result in arrest for DUII (Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicants).
A BAC level of 0.04% or above is considered legally drunk for commercial vehicle drivers. Additionally, any level of alcohol in the blood renders drivers under the age of 21 to be legally intoxicated.
One to two standard alcoholic drinks are usually sufficient to meet or exceed the BAC limit of 0.08%. However, because BAC varies depending on some aspects, such as weight and gender, this amount should only be used as a guideline.
Please keep in mind that this article aims to spread awareness of Oregon’s drunk driving laws. This website does not endorse drinking and driving under any circumstances.
According to NHTSA data, there were 508 road fatalities in Oregon in 2020. Thirty-eight percent of these traffic fatalities involved drivers with BAC levels of 0.08% or higher.
Driving under the influence of alcohol should be avoided as much as possible. If you must drive after drinking, consider using a designated driver service, Uber, or a taxi.
Oregon has DUI laws in place to prevent impaired driving-related incidents. Before driving, it is best first to determine your BAC level. Using an alcohol breathalyzer, you can ensure that your BAC is within the permitted ranges in Oregon.
We recommend visiting the official website of Oregon for the most up-to-date information on the state’s DUI driving rules and regulations.
Legal Alcohol Limit When Driving in Oregon
Drinking alcohol can cause impairment to your judgment by slowing reflexes, obstructing vision, altering your recognition of distance and speed, and delaying reaction time.
These things can happen even if you don’t look or feel drunk. Alcohol intoxication signs may show as soon as you take your first drink.
Alcohol enters your system within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Your breathing may become slower, making it difficult to think clearly.
Although the legal BAC limit in your state is 0.08%, keep in mind that everyone’s body responds differently to alcohol.
The factors below may have an impact on your blood alcohol concentration:
- weight,
- gender,
- levels of anxiety and exhaustion,
- hunger,
- alcohol consumption level, and
- taking prescribed medication.
A few drinks of alcohol may cause some people to pass out. Even if they initially seem normal, their driving ability may already be compromised. Thus it’s essential to check your BAC before driving.
You can determine the amount of alcohol you can consume before driving with the help of a BAC calculator and chart. Since every person’s reaction to alcohol is unique, these tools might not suit everyone.
The most accurate approach to determine your BAC is with a certified alcohol breathalyzer.
Punishments for Drinking and Driving in Oregon
Blood alcohol levels between 0.010% and 0.029% may not immediately cause impairment. Those with this level of BAC seem to be normal. Yet, the symptoms of alcohol-related impairment increase as BAC levels rise.
Every state has a different set of DUI laws. Before driving, check your blood alcohol content to avoid repercussions.
A conviction for DUI can have negative legal and financial repercussions. The DUI punishments in Oregon are outlined below.
DUII Penalties
In Oregon, a driver can commit attempted DUII by purposefully operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of.08% or above or while intoxicated.
| Offense | Jail Time | Fines | License Suspension | Ignition Interlock |
| First Offense | Up to one (1) year of imprisonment | Minimum of $1,000 up to $6,250 ($10,000 if the passenger is under the age of 18 and three years younger than the driver) | One (1) year | One (1) year |
| Second Offense | Up to one (1) year in jail | At least $1,500 up to $6,250 ($10,000 if the passenger is under the age of 18 and three years younger than the driver) | One (1) year | Two (2) years |
| Third Offense | Up to five (5) years imprisonment (if charged and found guilty of DUII at least twice in the previous ten years) | $2,000 (if the offender is not sentenced to incarceration) up to $125,000 (if convicted of a class C felony) | Permanent revocation (offender may file a petition to restore license after 10 years) | Two (2) to five (5) years |
Beyond the minimum requirements, the trial judge has the authority to impose additional prison sentences, community service, or fines. The judge will likely consider factors such as the offender’s criminal history, BAC, and whether the charge involved injuries or property damage.
Refusal of Chemical Test in Oregon
All motorists lawfully apprehended for DUII in Oregon must undergo a breath, blood, or urine test under the state’s implied consent laws. Drivers who refuse to take the test face license suspension for the following periods.
- First Offense: One (1) year
- Second Offense: Three (3) years
- Third Offense: Three (3) years
When Can You Drink and Drive in Oregon?
The level of alcohol in the blood differs depending on a number of variables. Men and women have different BAC levels, according to a study.
Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) levels are substantially higher in men than women. Alcohol metabolism is under the control of the ADH enzymes. Men absorb alcohol faster than women for this reason.
Read the details below to find out how much alcohol you can consume in Oregon before driving.
Although studies back up the information below, you should be aware that since everyone reacts to alcohol differently, it might not be helpful or acceptable for everyone.
How Many Bottles of Beers Can You Drink and Drive in Oregon?
A lighter person may have a greater BAC, according to BAC charts.
A 12-ounce (350 ml) beer can result in a BAC of 0.02% in a 160-pound male (72 kilograms).
A lady with the same weight who drinks alcohol may have a BAC of 0.03%.
Minimize your beer consumption to one to two bottles if you need to drive later.
How Many Glasses of Wine Can You Consume and Drive in Oregon?
A typical 5 oz (142 ml) glass of wine has an ABV of 12%.
A 180-pound male can have a BAC of 0.02% after consuming one glass of wine, as seen in the sample above. On the other hand, a female with the same weight and quantity of alcohol consumption could have a BAC as high as 0.03%.
If you plan to drive after drinking, one to two glasses of wine should be sufficient.
How Much Whiskey or Vodka Can You Drink and Drive in Oregon?
The ABV of distilled alcohols like vodka and whiskey is 40%.
Limit yourself to one to two shots of whiskey or vodka if you have to drive after.
Sticking to DUI Laws in Oregon
There are many false beliefs regarding how drinking affects driving. Every driver should know the dangers of intoxicated driving and take all reasonable measures to prevent it.
Driving while high or intoxicated is risky. If you’re drunk, you run the risk of losing control of both yourself and your car.
Don’t put too much faith in your blood alcohol content and driving skills, even if you’ve only had a few alcoholic beverages. Instead of driving, it is best to think about other transportation options.
Ensure your BAC level is below Oregon’s legal limit if you want to drive after drinking. A dependable alcohol breathalyzer can accurately determine your blood alcohol concentration.
We suggest visiting Oregon’s official website to learn more about the DUI regulations in the state.
