A 3-minute lesson from the Massachusetts course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Alcohol is a depressant: it slows reflexes, distorts vision and judgment, and makes you overconfident. You don't have to be drunk to be a dangerous driver; even small amounts lower the abilities you need.
About 30%
Share of U.S. highway deaths caused by alcohol each year
Alcohol makes you less likely to use your safety belt, more likely to speed, and less able to stay in your lane. Even one drink in an hour can affect your driving, and it's worse if you're tired, upset or haven't eaten.
Only time removes alcohol; your liver and kidneys process it. Black coffee, a cold shower, exercise or eating may make you feel more alert, but none of them changes how quickly alcohol leaves your body.
Every licensed Massachusetts driver agrees to a breath or blood test in certain cases. An officer who believes you're OUI may ask for a field sobriety test and, after arrest, a breath or blood test.
If your BAC is above the legal limit, or you refuse a breathalyzer or blood test, the officer must take away your license. The notice of suspension is effective immediately.
You're 20 and had one beer with dinner an hour ago. One drink can raise your BAC by 0.02, which would put you at the under-21 limit and cost you your license, even though it's far below the adult 0.08 limit.
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.
What is the legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older in Massachusetts?
0.08%
0.05%
0.10%
0.02%
Answer: 0.08%
Drivers 21 and older are considered impaired at a BAC of 0.08% or higher.