Can you get arrested for DUI with a low BAC level?

You have probably heard of a blood alcohol concentration level. This is how the police measure the amount of alcohol in your blood if they stop you on the road for suspicion of DUI and give you a breath test. According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, a BAC level of .08 means you are legally intoxicated. However, you could end up under arrest even if your BAC level is much lower.

People have different tolerance levels for alcohol. Some individuals ingest a few drinks and remain alert enough to drive without any issues. Conversely, a person could have problems driving even after one or two drinks.

Alcohol impairment at low BAC levels

Given that reaction time starts to slow down with even a low BAC level, it is possible to start having difficulties driving not long after a few drinks. If your BAC reading is between .04 and .05, your risk of getting into a crash starts to increase. By .06, you may be twice as likely to get into a collision as someone who has not consumed any alcohol.

Signs of impairment

Though a high BAC level can be strong evidence that you are under the influence, a police officer will watch for any sign that you are drunk. You may have been driving recklessly before the officer stopped you. You might fail a walk and turn test. Your responses to questions could come off as slurred or confused. Any of these observations might lead to an arrest even if the officer measured you with a low BAC reading.

Be aware of your tolerance level

If you understand your own tolerance level, you should have a better idea of when you are too impaired to get behind the wheel. Factors at play include your body weight, your age, gender and how much you have eaten along with your drink. When in doubt, have a friend or relative drive you so you do not risk an arrest and a court date for DUI.