When did drunk driving become illegal?

Below are some key dates in the history of drunk driving laws in the United States. In 1910, New York was the first state to adopt a law against drinking and driving, with California and other states soon following. read more

Drunk driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle while the operator's ability to do so impaired as a result of alcohol consumption, or with a blood alcohol level in excess of the legal limit. For drivers 21 years or older, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal. read more

In 2000, .08% was made the national legal limit for drinking and driving. Drunk driving laws are still evolving, too: Utah recently voted to change its legal limit to .05%, making it the strictest in the nation. Depending on that adjustment’s success in reducing drunk driving accidents, it’s possible other states could follow. read more