Utah Passes Bill Lowering BAC Limit to 0.05

Utah has never had a good relationship with alcohol. Their legislature just proved it again and other states could take notice. NBC Los Angeles reported on the landmark legislation.

The Utah legislature just passed a bill that would reduce the BAC limit for DUI from 0.08 to 0.05. This would be the strictest general limitation for DUI in the country. The governor is expected to sign the bill.

The reduction in BAC level would take place on December 30th, 2018, just before New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve is one of the heaviest days for drinking in the year.

Opponents of the bill say it will affect tourism greatly, while supporters say it will save lives. The majority religious sect of Utah, the LDS Church, is heavily against alcoholic consumption. Restaurant trade groups also opposed the bill, saying it will cut into their revenues.

Once the bill is in effect, a 150-pound man would be legally drunk after two beers, and a 120-pound woman after one.

Washington is considering similar legislation. Hawaii also tried lowering BAC limits, but that effort failed.

Reductions like this will make it even more difficult to defend against DUI charges. Most people convicted of serious drunk driving incidents have BAC levels far beyond the legal limit. Lowering the level would make many currently-responsible drinkers vulnerable to a charge that has lifelong consequences.

Hopefully, California will not pass similar legislation. If you’ve been charged with DUI in California, the limit is still 0.08 for most drivers. If you’ve been charged, you need a strong defense. Call our DUI Defense team today if you need representation in Los Angeles County.