The Top Five U.s. States With The Strictest Drunk Driving Laws

By Author: Sam Alexa
Total Articles: 5
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"Drive safely", "No U-turn", "Keep right", or "Keep left". These are only some of many traffic signs we see on the road every day. The reason they exist is to remind drivers to take extra precautions on the road. Well, here's the most important driving warning and yet the often neglected: "Don't drink and drive". Because lots of people ignore this warning, the best solution offered by the government are laws to punish these drunk drivers and protect life as well.

Here are the five US States with the strictest drunk driving laws.

1. Arizona
This state has been regarded as one of the strictest states in the U.S. Arizona allows 0.20 percent BAC. When your alcohol percentage is higher than this, you are most likely to spend an irrevocable 45 days imprisonment. Also, fine penalties charged can reach the maximum amount of $2000 or more, and a license suspension of 90 to 360 days. Recently, lawmakers have found these DUI laws insufficient, adding additional penalty to law violators -- the installation of ignition interlock devices on your vehicle. You are required to give a breath sample before starting up your ...
... car. If alcohol is detected, then your car will simply won't start. Take note, this data is applicable for first offenders only, and the worst comes with second and third offenses.

2. California
In this state, once you are caught of drunk driving you have the right to defend yourself in court. A hearing should be called 10 days after your arrest. On first offense, you will have at least 36 months of probation and fine of about $2000. Not only this, but you are also entitled for an ignition interlock device. This will surely stop you from drinking alcohol before getting inside the car. What makes the California state law even more strict is the BAC limit for second and third offenders. You will be charged if found to be driving with level 0.01 percent or higher. The same BAC limit applies to people aging 21 years old and below.

3. Illinois
There is zero tolerance for people 21 years old and younger. Although the state has a BAC limit of 0.08 percent, you may still be convicted of violating DUI law if an officer finds you impaired to drive a vehicle.

Things get tough when you commit a third offense within five years from your first one. You could be charged with $10,000 fine, not less than six years of license suspension, and imprisonment of three years.

4. Oregon
Oregon allows you to hire an attorney and fight your rights against DUI charges. However, the prosecutor's verdict won't depend on your BAC level at the time of the arrest. Usually, they rely on the officer's statement and description of your capabilities to drive a vehicle. So that makes it quite tough for you to justify yourself. Specific fines and suspension are given for first and second DUI offenses. However, you should be careful not to take the third one within five years after your first offense. On your third offense, expect your driver's license to be permanently revoked, an imprisonment maximum of one year, fines of about $2000, and additional court fees and assessment fees to pay. Now, are you ready to drive sober?

5. Texas
Although the BAC limit in Texas is also 0.08 percent, even a lower level of alcohol could get you in jail. Officers can arrest you if they think you are incapable of driving the vehicle safely. Also, having a passenger of 16 years and below, makes you liable for a DUI offense. In addition, a maximum of 180 days in jail, $2000 fine, and license suspension are the penalties for first time offender. Plus, the installation of ignition interlock device could also be possible. You definitely don't want to have the device locked up your car.

With the numerous numbers of drunk drivers being arrested in a year, these strict drunk driving laws are way better than having the dumb driving laws that still exist today. The next time you drive your car on these states or anywhere, don't drink. You could save on your car insurance by doing so.