What Is the Legal Limit in Illinois?

The legal limit for alcohol consumption can be a very important part of a drunk driving case. There are cases where drivers can face charges even if they don’t exceed this limit—such as if they are clearly impaired, but their BAC is just slightly lower than the allowable amount. An officer can still make an arrest based on other evidence of impairment.

That said, breath tests are used in many of these cases because a driver who exceeds the limit demonstrates clear evidence of impairment. So what is the legal limit that you have to follow? It may not be as simple as you think.

The limit for most drivers

For most drivers on the road, the legal limit is a blood alcohol concentration that does not reach or exceed 0.08%. This is something all drivers should learn in driver’s training, and most people understand that this is the cutoff.

The limit for commercial drivers

However, commercial drivers—such as semi-truck drivers or school bus drivers—have a lower legal limit. For them, it is set at 0.04%. It’s important for the driver to be aware of the type of license they have and the additional restrictions that may apply.

The limit for young drivers

Finally, it’s illegal for people to drink until they turn 21 in Illinois, so the state also has zero tolerance laws. If someone is underage, their legal limit is 0.0%. Even if someone has just a fraction of a drink, if any alcohol shows up on the test, they could face charges.

Drunk driving allegations can have a serious impact on someone’s life and finances. Those in this position need to know what defense options they have.