What is the legal limit of alcohol in the blood for drivers over 21 in California?

In California, the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers who are 21 years of age or older is 0.08%. This standard is established under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, which specifies that a BAC at or above this level is considered legally impaired, meaning it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle.

This limit reflects the state's efforts to reduce the incidence of drunk driving and enhance road safety. When a driver exceeds this BAC threshold, they may face criminal charges, penalties, and increased insurance rates. Additionally, law enforcement is trained to recognize the signs of impairment, and they often conduct sobriety checkpoints and routine patrols to deter drunk driving.

Understanding this limit is crucial for all drivers, as it not only helps them avoid legal repercussions but also contributes to overall public safety on the road. Other BAC levels mentioned in the question, such as 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.12%, do not represent the legal limit for drivers over 21. In fact, while a BAC of 0.05% may indicate impairment and result in penalties for drivers under 21 or for commercial drivers, it does not equate to a strict legal limit for general drivers.