AlcoholUnited States
An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United States. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.
For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.
276. Alcohol
Alcohol affects judgement, reaction time, coordination, concentration and vision, making it dangerous to drive even before a person feels drunk. The legal alcohol limit varies between countries and may be lower for professional, novice or young drivers. The safest choice is not to drink alcohol before driving. Drivers who have consumed alcohol should use an alternative such as a sober designated driver, public transport or a taxi.
Is a 0.08% BAC threshold uniform in the United States?
No. Most US states use 0.08% for drivers aged 21 or over, while Utah uses 0.05%. Additional lower limits apply to younger or commercial drivers, and impairment is punishable below statutory thresholds.

Traffic rules
United States