What is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that constitutes a DUI for someone driving a non-commercial vehicle?

A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 is the legal limit that constitutes a DUI (driving under the influence) for someone operating a non-commercial vehicle. This threshold is widely recognized and enforced across many jurisdictions, marking the point where an individual's ability to drive safely is significantly impaired.

Research and studies have shown that at a BAC of 0.08, drivers experience compromised judgment, reduced coordination, and impaired decision-making, which can increase the likelihood of accidents. Therefore, laws set this limit to enhance road safety and reduce alcohol-related incidents.

In contrast, lower BAC levels such as 0.02 or 0.05 may also indicate some impairment but are generally not considered legally intoxicating under the standard DUI laws for non-commercial vehicles. Some jurisdictions may have different provisions for certain categories of drivers, such as those under the legal drinking age or commercial drivers, but for the general adult population, 0.08 is the standard measure that defines DUI.