DUI Laws: Keeping Drunk Drivers off the Road
Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the biggest road safety problems in the US. According to a recent survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 30 percent of 35,000 people who died in car accidents last year were involved in alcohol-related crashes.
With this finding, experts estimate that 36 people are killed by drunk drivers every day.
In another NHTSA survey, three out of ten people will encounter alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives. This finding shows that this problem is widespread and affects people from all walks of life.
In terms of economic cost, the country loses more than $50 billion every year due to alcohol-related accidents.
DUI laws
In an effort to reduce the fatality rate, California implements one of the stiffest DUI penalties and laws in the country that aims to keep drunk drivers off the road such as the following:
- Zero Tolerance Law
Under this law, a person who is on DUI probation or has been convicted with several DUI cases is prohibited to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.01 percent and higher.
Violators will face up to 3-year suspension of their driving privilege. This law also allows courts to require people convicted with several DUI cases to install an ignition interlock device up to three years. This device works by detecting the BAC level of a person’s breath. If it detects that the alcohol level exceeds the limit ordered by a court, it will not start the engine, thus preventing drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. - BAC limits
Adults, who are not under DUI probation, are required to follow the 0.08 percent BAC level. However, the alcohol limit is lower for drivers aged 21 years and younger who are prohibited to drive with a BAC level of 0.01 percent and higher. For commercial drivers, they are prohibited to drive with a BAC level of 0.04 percent and higher. - Carrying of alcoholic beverages in vehicles
Under state law, adult drivers are prohibited to carry alcohol inside their vehicles, unless this is sealed and full; if not, this should be stored inside the trunk.
Opened alcoholic beverages stored inside the glove compartment is still considered illegal in California.
For minors, this law is stricter since they are prohibited to drive with alcoholic drinks in their cars, even if these are sealed and full. However, if they are accompanied by an adult, the same law for adult drivers also applies to them. - DUI involving drugs
Alcohol is not the only substance that can impair a driver’s focus and responsiveness.
According to Los Angeles lawyers, a person may be cited for DUI if an officer finds that he is driving under the influence of drugs, regardless if these are prescribed by doctors or obtained thorough illegal means.