A 4-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures how much alcohol is in your blood. In Texas, 0.08 is the legal line for adults, but you can be intoxicated below it, and drivers under 21 may have none at all.
0.08
BAC at which a driver 21 or older is legally intoxicated
If arrested for driving a motor vehicle or watercraft in a public place while intoxicated, you've consented to give one or more breath or blood specimens. The test shows the alcohol amount and can detect other drugs.
Cold showers, black coffee and exercise won't sober you up. Only time, based on body weight, number of drinks and food, can. It takes about one hour for the body to rid itself of each drink.
The chart is based on averages. Food, medications, health, gender and psychological condition all affect how fast alcohol is absorbed. Insurers may give discounts to drivers who complete drug and alcohol awareness courses.
A 160-pound adult has four drinks at a party. By the chart that's about .09, over the 0.08 limit. Even two drinks (about .05) could be illegal if they cause loss of normal use of faculties. If you've been drinking, let someone who hasn't been drinking drive.
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 a driver who is 21 or older in Texas?
0.08
0.05
0.10
0.02
Answer: 0.08
A driver 21 or older is legally intoxicated at a BAC of 0.08 or more.