Understand BAC impairment levels and what they mean for your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What BAC level causes impairment?
Impairment begins at very low BAC levels. At 0.02% you may feel relaxed with slight mood changes. At 0.05% you experience lowered alertness and impaired judgment. At 0.08% (the US legal limit) muscle coordination, balance, and reaction time are significantly impaired.
What is a dangerous BAC level?
BAC levels above 0.15% are considered dangerous, with significant impairment to balance, speech, and judgment. Levels above 0.30% can cause loss of consciousness, and levels above 0.40% can be life-threatening.
How fast does BAC decrease?
On average, the body metabolizes alcohol at a rate of about 0.015% (0.15 permille) per hour. This rate varies by individual but cannot be accelerated by coffee, cold showers, or exercise.