How Many Drinks Does it Take to Reach 0.08% BAC?

When your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, you’re considered legally impaired in the U.S.

While you are certain to be arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) when your BAC is at or over 0.08%, you can still be charged if your BAC is at any level above 0.00%.

If a police officer deems you “noticeably impaired”, or if you fall under your state’s zero tolerance laws (e.g., you're under 21 or have children in the car), you could face a DUI even if you are under the legal limit.

Common Factors That Affect BAC

Seeing as there are many factors affecting BAC, it’s very difficult to estimate how many drinks it would take for an “average person” to reach 0.08%. Additionally, not all drinks are created the same — a cocktail served at one bar may have double the alcohol as that served at another bar. If you keep a Safrive Breathalyzer on hand, you’ll know right away just how your BAC adds up, no matter which of these factors affect you.

Some common factors include:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Rate of consumption
  • Drink strength
  • Body type
  • Fat/Muscle content
  • Metabolism
  • Hydration
  • Emotional state
  • Medications you are on
  • Food you’ve consumed
  • Carbonation of drinks
  • Alcohol tolerance
  • Overall health
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