The Washington State Legislature is once again talking about lowering the legal limit for DUI’s. For more than 25 years legal limit for alcohol for those 21 or older has been .08. Setting any “legal limit” tells the public they can drive with some amount of alcohol in their body. However, it’s both confusing and difficult to know where the limit is and lowering the legal limit doesn’t remove this confusion.

Presumed to be Impaired

The legal limit actually means drivers are presumed to be impaired if they’re over the limit. However, there is no “reverse presumption” that someone is presumed safe to drive if they’re below the limit. Law enforcement can arrest anyone they think is driving while impaired. This puts drivers are at risk of jail, fines, license suspensions and more, even if they’re below the legal limit. Depending on the facts, the driver could be charged with DUI, Negligent Driving First Degree or even a felony, like Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide.

One Beer Per Hour

It’s not easy to know when you’re over the legal limit. The “one beer per hour rule” is based upon one 12 ounce standard beer (4-5% alcohol) per hour. A pint of your favorite IPA is both larger than 12 ounces and likely has a higher alcohol percentage. This requires even longer for your body to process. The safest plan is to coordinate with someone who hasn’t consumed any alcohol to drive you home safely.

Baby DUI’s

There are different limits for Driving Under the Influence Under 21 Years of Age or Baby DUI. If you’re under 21, then the legal limit for alcohol is .02, which is approximately one standard beer. Also, when it comes to those under 21, they cannot have any marijuana in their system at all while driving.

If you or someone you care about are facing a DUI charge, let the experienced attorneys at Cooney Law Offices explain your options and guide you to the best possible resolution. Cooney Law Offices. Fighting for You!