What indicates that a person is legally considered to be drunk driving?

The determination of whether a person is legally considered to be driving under the influence hinges on their blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Each state sets a specific legal limit for BAC, typically 0.08% for most adult drivers. When an individual has a BAC above this threshold, they are deemed impaired and are legally prosecuted for drunk driving. This legal standard is put in place to help ensure public safety, as elevated BAC levels significantly impair cognitive and motor functions necessary for safe driving.

Other options, such as having a BAC below the legal limit, consuming alcohol under supervision, or performing well on a field sobriety test, do not indicate intoxication or impairment through the legal framework. In fact, a BAC below the legal limit suggests that a driver is not exceeding the legal boundaries and is therefore not considered to be drunk driving. Additionally, consuming alcohol under supervision might occur without any legal implication as long as the individual does not exceed the legal BAC limit. Performing well on a field sobriety test generally indicates that the individual is not impaired, further supporting the notion that they are not engaged in drunk driving.