Drivers in Missouri are generally aware that there is a legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when one is behind the wheel. Alcohol consumption can lead to car accidents, and this limit has been set generally at 0.08%. If a driver is over the limit, then it is presumed that they were impaired while they were driving.
A common misconception that people sometimes have, however, is that the legal limit is the same for everyone. It is not. There are actually three different limits to consider. The limit of 0.08% may be the one that applies to the majority of drivers, but it is not the only one that motorists need to keep in mind.
The limit for commercial drivers
Commercial drivers are held to a stricter limit of 0.04%. This is very important for someone who holds a CDL. Getting arrested for drunk driving can be enough to derail someone’s entire career. If they’re no longer able to hold their commercial driver’s license because of their record, this misstep will cost them much more than a DWI ticket.
The limit for young drivers
Additionally, young drivers have a legal limit of 0.02%. In practicality, this means that someone would not pass the test if they had had even a single drink. The goal here is simply to make the limit strict because individuals who are under 21 years old are not allowed to legally buy or possess alcohol to begin with.
What are your options?
As you can see, it is possible to get charged with a DWI when the BAC of certain individuals registers under 0.08%. A DWI conviction can have a massive impact on the rest of your life, especially as a young person with a bright future or a commercial driver who needs their license for their career. Be sure you know exactly what legal options you have, if you’re facing charges or if you ever face such charges in the future.
