Legal Limit for Blood-Alcohol Content Likely to be reduced from .08 to .05 | Charleston DUI Lawyers

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) met yesterday in Washington to discuss the legal limit for drivers’ alcohol consumption. The Board firmly recommended that all 50 states lower the threshold on their blood-alcohol content laws from .08 to .05 in an attempt to minimize the number of alcohol-related fatalities each year. This recommendation is part of the NTSB’s “Reaching Zero” report which proposes various solutions to eliminate substance-impaired driving. Some other suggestions in the report include higher visibility of police enforcement in an effort to deter driving under the influence, and alcohol-sensing technology during routine traffic stops. The NTSB opinion is advisory and does not perform as law, but the Board has historically had significant influence over state governments, which may result in some (if not most) states modifying their laws to meet the recommended criteria.

As an example of how the lower threshold for alcohol consumption will affect drivers, consider the following: An average sized adult male could consume somewhere around 4 drinks before becoming “intoxicated” under the .08 law. With a .05 threshold instead, the same individual will only be able to consume 2-3 drinks and still remain under the legal limit.

If you or loved one have been accused of DUI or other criminal charges, contact Miller|Conway, Charleston DUI Lawyers, immediately. You may also like us on facebook, follow us on twitter, or visit the firm’s website for more information.

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