Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Which BAC level is still considered to be under the influence for DUI charges?

1. 0.05%

2. 0.08%

3. 0.10%

4. 0.12%

The correct answer is: 0.08%

A Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% is the legal threshold in most jurisdictions for being classified as driving under the influence (DUI). At this level, it is presumed that a driver’s physical and mental abilities are impaired enough to increase the risk of a traffic incident. This standard has been established by law in many states and is commonly used as the point at which legal action can be taken against drivers. Although lower BAC levels can also indicate impairment depending on the individual and the circumstances, 0.08% serves as the widely accepted threshold for DUI charges, reflecting a balance between the risk of impairment and the need for clear legal standards. Higher levels, such as 0.10% and 0.12%, further increase the likelihood of impairment, but they are beyond the established legal requirement for a DUI charge in many areas. A BAC level of 0.05% is often seen as possibly indicating mild impairment, but it typically does not meet the threshold for DUI under standard laws.