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What is the legal alcohol limit for driving in California?

Sometimes, after work, I have a few beers with my colleagues and drive home. My wife is worried I could be pulled over, but I never get behind the wheel when I feel at all drunk. What is the legal alcohol limit for driving in California?

avatar
Sara Brody · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The legal alcohol limit in
California
is 0.08%. Since everyone metabolizes alcohol at different rates, it is best to get a ride home from a sober friend or to call a rideshare service after having a few drinks with your colleagues.
The Golden State offers further guidance on
driving under the influence (DUI)
, including separate restrictions based on age and license type:
  • Commercial vehicle drivers must have a blood alcohol level of under 0.04% to avoid a DUI
  • Drivers under the age of 21 must have a blood alcohol level of under 0.01% to avoid a DUI
Even if your blood alcohol level is within the legal limit, your driving abilities will always be impaired to some extent by alcohol consumption.
Unfortunately, if you are charged with a DUI, your
car insurance rates
will likely skyrocket. But
Jerry
can help you save big, even with a spotty
California driving record
.
View full answer 
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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