0.05 BAC Saves Lives
A Proven Way to Reduce Impaired Driving in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I drink before reaching 0.05?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Factors like body weight, food intake, and metabolism all play a role. Studies by NHTSA have shown that an “average male” would remain below 0.05 after three standard drinks on an empty stomach in two hours. An “average woman” would remain below 0.05 after two standard drinks under the same conditions. The safest choice is not to drive after drinking any amount of alcohol. Eating and drinking water or other non-alcoholic drinks slow the absorption of alcohol, and time allows the body to metabolize alcohol at about 0.015 percent per hour.
Will lowering the limit increase DUI arrests?
Reports from Utah and other studies show that lowering the limit to 0.05 does not lead to more arrests. Instead, it changes behavior so that more people plan a safe ride home and avoid driving after drinking. Police procedures do not change based upon the BAC limit. They look for drivers who show visible signs of impairment, including erratic driving, poor attention, coordination, and judgment.
Do other places use 0.05?
Yes. Most of the world already have limits of 0.05 or lower: 150 countries, including most of Europe, Asia, and South America. Ten Mexican states and eleven Canadian provinces have adopted BAC limits of 0.04-0.05. Utah became the first U.S. state to adopt a 0.05 BAC limit in 2018 and saw a significant drop in impaired driving crashes afterward.
How will 0.05 impact alcohol servers?
Server rules have not changed based upon changes in BAC limits for driving, and they will not change this time either. Servers are required to refuse service to an “obviously intoxicated” person. Washington courts have consistently ruled that servers are not liable for customers’ behavior when they follow the service rules (See, for example, Barrett v. Lucky Seven Saloon, 2004). Servers are trained to identify the visible signs of intoxication, including slurred speech; dropping or fumbling with items; swaying or staggering while walking; spilling drinks; inability to focus; bumping into people, becoming overly friendly, loud or aggressive; or relaxed inhibitions. Servers are not required, nor are they trained, to determine a customer’s BAC level.
Countries, States, and Provinces with 0.05 BAC or Lower
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