Key Takeaways
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It is dangerous and illegal to operate any type of vehicle or vessel while alcohol-impaired, whether on roadways, off-roading, or waterways.
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Driving under the influence of alcohol kills over a thousand Californians each year.
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Always drive sober.
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Every day, about 43 people in the Unites States die in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. In 2022, 15,861 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in the United States. More than 1,700 of these deaths occurred in California (CA). Death and injury from alcohol-related motor vehicle and vessel crashes are preventable.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
When you consume alcohol, traces of it enter your bloodstream. Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is a measurement of the amount of alcohol in a person’s system. In California, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. However, even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can be arrested and convicted depending on your level of impairment (see Figure 1 for the legal BAC limit for the different types of drivers). Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your ability to safely operate a vehicle or vessel. Alcohol reduces reasoning, judgment, reaction times, and muscle coordination. Driving under the influence of alcohol contributes to accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Figure 1
 General Drivers
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0.08%
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Commercial Drivers
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0.04%
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Water Vessel Operators (boat, jet skis, water skis, or similar vessels)
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0.08% |
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Drivers under 21
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Zero Tolerance * |
*In CA, it is illegal for a person under 21 to consume alcohol and to drive with any detectable BAC (0.01% or higher). Penalties may include license suspension or revocation.
Drivers with a BAC of 0.08% are approximately 4 times more likely to crash than drivers with a BAC of zero.
Safety Tips
Despite the risks associated with driving under the influence, people continue to drive impaired. You can do your part to keep yourself and others safe.
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Never operate any type of vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other substances. 
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Plan ahead for a designated sober driver if you plan to drink alcohol or use other substances. You can designate a sober friend, ride public transportation, or use a ride hailing service.
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Never get into a vehicle with an impaired driver.
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Don’t let anyone drink and drive. Help arrange a sober ride home for them.
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Be aware of how prescriptions or over the counter medications can affect your ability to drive. Some medications can have side effects on their own and/or when mixed with alcohol.
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Always wear a seat belt when riding in a vehicle.
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If you suspect an impaired driver on the road, call 911. This action could save lives.
If you think you need help with your alcohol use, visit the
Getting Help page.
Risk Factors
Some groups are at a higher risk for driving under the influence of alcohol, related crashes, and deaths. These include:
Legal Consequences in California
If convicted of a DUI, penalties may include the following:
Impaired driving is a serious risk that can lead to devastating consequences – always drive sober.
Please note: The above information is not meant to be medical or legal advice. For medical advice you should reach out to a healthcare professional and for legal advice you should reach out to an attorney.