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Alcohol Impairment Guides
THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
IT IS A GUIDE, NOT A GUARANTEE.
Alcohol can affect each person in a different way. The way your body reacts to alcohol depends on your gender, how much you weigh, how quickly you drink and whether or not you have eaten. You also need to remember that drinks may contain different amounts of alcohol.
For purposes of this chart, "one drink" is equal to:
- 1.5 oz. of 80 proof liquor (Distilled spirits)
- 12 oz. of regular beer or
- 5 oz. of table wine
Females reach a higher BAC level faster than males of the same weight. A woman should use the female version on the chart that is highlighted in pink.
Pennsylvania has set .08% BAC as the legal limit for a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction. Commercial drivers can be convicted of a DUI nationwide with a BAC level of .04%. You may be convicted of DUI at .05% and above if there is supporting evidence of driving impairment.
The Zero Tolerance Law (Section 3802e of the PA Vehicle Code) lowered the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) for minors (persons under 21) to .02%.
To View the Female BAC Chart, Click here.
To View the Male BAC Chart, Click here.
REMEMBER:
- A person must be 21 years of age or older to legally purchase, attempt to purchase, possess, consume, or transport any alcohol, liquor, malt or brewed beverages.
- Impairment begins with the first drink - the only safe driving limit is .00%.
- For safety's sake, never drive after drinking!
Source:
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MEN'S DATA |
"Prediction of Blood Alcohol Concentrations in Human Subjects-Updating the Widmark Equation," Journal of Studies on Alcohol, Vol. 42, No. 7, 1981. |
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WOMEN'S DATA |
"Alcohol Metabolism" from the State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin Center for Health Sciences; Patricia H. Field; 3-21-88.
"Driving Under the Influence: A Report to Congress on Alcohol Limits," U.S. Dept. of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1992. |
You can order a static cling (Impairment begins with the first drink, never drink and drive) for your car window (or any window). Look for item #0026.
**Use of the BAC chart for research papers or classroom presentations is permitted. Please cite the source as the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's Bureau of Alcohol Education.**
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