What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers over 21 in California?

In California, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers over the age of 21 is set at 0.08%. This limit reflects the state's determination that driving becomes significantly impaired and poses a danger to public safety at this level of alcohol concentration in the bloodstream.

When a driver's BAC is at or above 0.08%, they are considered legally intoxicated, which can lead to various legal ramifications, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. The establishment of this limit is part of efforts to reduce the number of traffic accidents and fatalities caused by impaired driving.

Setting the BAC limit at 0.08% is based on extensive research that indicates the impairments in motor skills, judgment, and reaction times that occur at and above this level. Other specified BAC percentages, such as 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15%, do not represent the legal limit for standard drivers aged 21 and over. Instead, they may pertain to different classifications of drivers or specific legal contexts related to increased penalties or different standards for drivers under 21 or commercial drivers.