Over the years, drinking and driving regulations and laws have changed in the United States. With each change, the authorities share the same goal: to cut back on drunk driving incidents as a means of keeping people as safe as possible.
Drinking and driving regulations can change from one state to the next, but it is important to remember one thing to be true: it is illegal to drink and drive regardless of the state you are in.
Generally speaking, this criminal offense typically includes one of the following:
- A blood alcohol content level of .08 or greater, regardless of if the substance has impaired you in any way
- The presence of alcohol, even if your level is .08 or lower, has impaired your mental and physical capabilities
Penalties for Drunk Driving
While the regulations for drinking and driving are basically the same throughout the entire country, the penalties can and will vary from state to state.
In the state of Florida, for example, first-time offenders can be sentenced to up to six months in prison along with a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000.
First time offenders can also be placed on probation and required to complete community service.
Note: the punishment for drinking and driving will increase with each offense. First time offenders are often times able to avoid prison time, however, this becomes less likely with each subsequent arrest.
It does not matter where you are driving or how old you are, if you have been drinking it would be in your best interest to avoid getting behind the wheel of an automobile. There are regulations and laws against drinking and driving, all of which need to be taken seriously.
