What are the drinking and driving laws in my state?

Enter your Zip Code below to get a Free Quote. We suggest getting quotes from multiple companies to ensure you get the best rate. There is no obligation to purchase.

  • You could save 15% or more
  • 24 hour claims service
  • Get a FREE instant quote, today!

Driving is a privilege, not a legal right. If you place yourself or other motorists in danger, you may have your license taken away. This means it's very important to make sure you understand your state's laws regarding drunk driving.

Currently, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have DUI laws that make it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. However, there are some differences in state interpretations of other laws relating to drunk driving. For example, people convicted of a DUI or DWI in every state but Alabama, South Dakota, and Vermont may be required to make sure their vehicles are equipped with ignition interlocks that disable the ignition if the driver has been drinking alcohol. Depending upon where you live and the circumstances of your case, a DUI or DWI charge could result in hefty fines, jail time, community service, license suspension, court ordered rehab, and vehicle forfeiture.

The chart below lists the length of an administrative license suspension for a first offense DUI. Since the courts have discretion in ordering other DUI penalties, it is best to contact an experienced DUI lawyer to assist in the handling of your case.

License Suspension for First Offense
Alabama
x
90 days
Alaska
x
90 days
Arizona
x
90 days
Arkansas
x
6 months
California
x
4 months
Colorado
x
3 months
Connecticut
x
1 year
Delaware
x
3 months
Florida
x
6 months
Georgia
x
1 year
Hawaii
x
3 months
Idaho
x
90 days
Illinois
x
3 months
Indiana
x
180 days
Iowa
x
180 days
Kansas
x
30 days
Kentucky
x
30 days
Louisiana
x
90 days
Maine
x
90 days
Maryland
x
60 days
Massachusetts
x
1 year
Michigan
x
6 months
Minnesota
x
90 days
Mississippi
x
90 days
Missouri
x
30 days
Montana
x
6 months
Nebraska
x
90 days
Nevada
x
90 days
New Hampshire
x
6 months
New Jersey
x
3 months
New Mexico
x
90 days
New York
x
90 days
North Carolina
x
60 days
North Dakota
x
91 days
Ohio
x
6 months
Oklahoma
x
30 days
Oregon
x
90 days
Pennsylvania
x
1 year
Rhode Island
x
45 days
South Carolina
x
6 months
South Dakota
x
30 days
Tennessee
x
1 year
Texas
x
90 days
Utah
x
90 days
Vermont
x
90 days
Virginia
x
1 year
Washington
x
90 days
West Virginia
x
6 months
Wisconsin
x
6 months
Wyoming
x
90 days
Washington DC
x
90 days

Visitor Comments

No visitor comments posted. Post a comment

Post Comment for "What are the drinking and driving laws in my state?"

To post a comment for this article, simply complete the form below. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

User Opinions

No users have voted.

How would you rate this answer?



Thank you for rating this answer.

Continue
DMVAnswers.com (the Site) is a privately owned, for-profit Web site owned by OnlineGURU, Inc. The Site specifically disclaims any and all connection with any state bureau, division, or Department of Motor Vehicles, or any state or federal government agency. DMVAnswers.com does its best to get the correct information but does not claim responsibility for the accuracy of the information displayed herein. It is not complete or certified information. The information provided on DMVAnswers.com is not legal advice, DMVAnswers.com is not a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or should be formed by use of the site. Additionally, the Site expressly disclaims any and all liability for third party links or resources on the Site and any claims of negligence arising from same. For official information, please consult your state motor vehicle department.