If a driver is pulled over, their blood alcohol content (BAC) may be tested by the police. BAC stands for the amount of alcohol in a person’s body. A driver’s BAC levels can be tested with a breathalyzer, urine test or blood test.
Each state has a specific limit of alcohol a person can consume before they are considered intoxicated behind the wheel. In New Jersey, the BAC limit for drivers above 21 years of age is 0.08% – a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers.
Charges for drunk driving can include fines, incarceration, probation and community service. However, drivers could still face criminal charges even if their BAC levels were below the legal limit. Here is what you should know:
Possible charges if under the BAC limit
After a driver’s BAC level is tested, they could still be arrested and charged for drunk driving. This is because alcohol affects everyone differently. Some drivers have a high tolerance for alcohol, which means they can consume more alcohol without feeling impaired. Other drivers may feel intoxicated after consuming a level of alcohol well below New Jersey’s BAC limit. As a result of drinking alcohol, a person with a low tolerance may drive erratically, swerving between lanes, speeding and failing to engage in safe driving.
The police may pull over a driver because of their erratic and dangerous driving. The driver could be arrested because their erratic behavior was due to alcohol consumption, leading to a drunk driving charge. Drivers can reach out for legal guidance to build a defense against criminal charges.