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Georgia driving lesson · Work Zones and Other Traffic Laws

DUI and BAC limits

A 2-minute lesson from the Georgia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Work Zones and Other Traffic Laws
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
24, 48, 50

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Georgia, and the alcohol limit is lower for drivers under 21. Legal prescription drugs count too if they impair your driving.

Know the rule

It's unlawful to drive under the influence of alcohol, a drug (prescription or illegal), or any other substance that impairs your ability to drive safely.

Handbook p. 24 ↗

When you're legally "under the influence" of alcohol

When you're legally "under the influence" of alcohol
DriverAlcohol in the blood
Age 21 or older0.08 grams or more
Under age 21 (irrefutably)0.02 grams or more
Handbook p. 24 ↗

Know the rule

Certain drugs or other substances can also make a person irrefutably "under the influence."

Handbook p. 24 ↗

Know the rule

Having a prescription is not a defense if the medication impairs your ability to drive safely.

Handbook p. 24 ↗

DUI penalties are severe:

  • Fines up to $1,000
  • Jail sentences up to 12 months
  • Mandatory suspension of your driving privileges
Handbook p. 24 ↗
0.04

BAC at which driving a commercial motor vehicle is a major traffic violation

Handbook p. 50 ↗

Implied consent

Georgia law requires you to submit to state chemical tests of your blood, breath, urine or other bodily substances to determine whether you're under the influence.

Handbook p. 48 ↗

Know the rule

Refusing state testing suspends your license for at least one year; testing at or above the legal limit can suspend it for at least one year.

Handbook p. 48 ↗

Put it into practice

You're 19 and had one beer. A test shows a BAC of 0.03. That's under the adult limit, but because you're under 21 and at 0.02 or more, you're legally under the influence.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

At what blood alcohol concentration is a driver age 21 or older considered legally 'under the influence' in Georgia?
  1. 0.10 grams or more
  2. 0.02 grams or more
  3. 0.08 grams or more
  4. 0.05 grams or more

Answer: 0.08 grams or more

A person 21 or older is considered under the influence at 0.08 gm or more by alcohol weight in the blood.

Handbook p. 24 ↗
At what blood alcohol concentration is a driver under 21 irrefutably considered 'under the influence' in Georgia?
  1. 0.02 grams or more
  2. 0.05 grams or more
  3. 0.00 grams (any amount)
  4. 0.08 grams or more

Answer: 0.02 grams or more

A person under 21 is irrefutably considered under the influence at 0.02 gm or more by alcohol weight.

Handbook p. 24 ↗
Is having a valid prescription for a medication a legal defense against a DUI charge in Georgia?
  1. No, not if it impairs you
  2. Yes, if you take it as prescribed
  3. Only if the prescription was filled in Georgia
  4. Yes, a prescription is always a complete defense

Answer: No, not if it impairs you

A prescription is not a defense if the medication impairs your ability to drive safely.

Handbook p. 24 ↗
What is the maximum fine and jail term for a DUI conviction in Georgia?
  1. Up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail
  2. Up to $500 and up to 6 months in jail
  3. Up to $2,000 and up to 24 months in jail
  4. No fine, only mandatory suspension

Answer: Up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail

Penalties for DUI include fines up to $1,000 and jail sentences up to 12 months, plus mandatory license suspension.

Handbook p. 24 ↗
It is unlawful to drive under the influence of a legal prescription drug if it impairs your ability to drive safely.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Driving under the influence of a drug, prescription or otherwise, that impairs your ability to safely drive is unlawful.

Handbook p. 24 ↗
How does the legal BAC threshold for 'under the influence' differ between a driver 21 and older versus a driver under 21?
  1. 0.05% for a driver 21 or older; 0.00% for a driver under 21
  2. 0.02% for a driver 21 or older; 0.08% for a driver under 21
  3. 0.08% for both, regardless of age
  4. 0.08% for a driver 21 or older; 0.02% for a driver under 21

Answer: 0.08% for a driver 21 or older; 0.02% for a driver under 21

Georgia uses a 0.08% threshold for drivers 21+ and a much lower 0.02% threshold for drivers under 21.

Handbook p. 24 ↗
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