If you drink alcohol and then drive, there is always a risk that you could face impaired driving charges. One key factor is blood alcohol concentration, which can be measured with a breath test. For most drivers, the legal limit is 0.08%, although there are exceptions, such as commercial drivers and underage drivers.
However, it is important for drivers not to focus only on alcohol impairment. If you are impaired by other substances, you could still face legal charges. You may pass a breath test because there is no alcohol in your system, but that alone will not prevent an arrest.
Operating heavy machinery
In some cases, a person may have taken medication that includes a warning not to operate heavy machinery. This is common with certain painkillers or narcotic medications, for example. It is always important to read medication instructions carefully.
Many people assume that heavy machinery refers only to equipment such as construction vehicles or machinery. In reality, it often includes driving a car. If a medication impairs your ability to drive safely, you may need to wait until its effects wear off before getting behind the wheel.
Drivers can also face charges if they are impaired by other substances, including illegal drugs. Examples include marijuana, cocaine or methamphetamines. These substances may not show up on a breath test either, but that does not mean a driver will avoid impaired driving charges.
Your defense options
If you find yourself facing impaired driving charges, regardless of the substance involved, it is important to understand all of your legal defense options. A conviction can lead to a license suspension, fines, jail time and other serious consequences.