Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Chart
See the symptoms, impairment, and driving risks at each BAC level, from 0.00 to 0.30+.
Quick Reference
| BAC Range | Level | Key Effects |
|---|---|---|
| 0.00 – 0.02 | Sober | No significant effects. Normal behavior. |
| 0.02 – 0.05 | Mild Effects | Slight relaxation, mild mood elevation. Subtle impairment of judgment. |
| 0.05 – 0.08 | Reduced Inhibition | Lowered alertness, impaired judgment, reduced coordination. |
| 0.08 – 0.10 | Legal Limit | Legally impaired in all US states. Significant motor and judgment impairment. |
| 0.10 – 0.15 | Significant Impairment | Clear deterioration of reaction time and control. Slurred speech likely. |
| 0.15 – 0.20 | Severe Impairment | Major loss of balance and motor control. Possible blackout. |
| 0.20 – 0.30 | Very Dangerous | Disorientation, nausea, possible loss of consciousness. |
Detailed Effects by BAC Level
Minimal
0.00 – 0.02%- No apparent effects
- Normal behavior and mood
- Slight feeling of warmth or relaxation
Driving: No measurable impairment
Mild
0.02 – 0.05%- Slight mood elevation
- Mild relaxation and warmth
- Subtle impairment of judgment
- Slight decrease in visual function
Driving: Decline in ability to track moving objects and multitask
Reduced Inhibition
0.05 – 0.08%- Exaggerated behavior and lowered inhibitions
- Impaired judgment and reasoning
- Reduced alertness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced coordination
Driving: Reduced ability to steer, reduced response to emergency situations
Legal Limit
0.08 – 0.10%- Legally impaired in all US states
- Poor muscle coordination (balance, speech, vision)
- Impaired perception and judgment
- Reduced ability to detect danger
- Impaired self-control and reasoning
Driving: Significantly impaired — concentration, speed control, and information processing compromised
Significant Impairment
0.10 – 0.15%- Clear deterioration of reaction time and control
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination and balance
- Significant impairment in motor control
- Possible nausea and vomiting
Driving: Severely impaired — substantially reduced ability to control vehicle
Severe Impairment
0.15 – 0.20%- Major loss of balance and motor control
- Possible blackout (memory gaps)
- Significant risk of falling and injury
- Dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness)
- Nausea and vomiting likely
Driving: Nearly 400x more likely to be in a fatal crash than a sober driver
Very Dangerous
0.20 – 0.30%- Total mental confusion and disorientation
- Need assistance to stand or walk
- Loss of consciousness possible
- Blackout highly likely
- Risk of choking on vomit
- Bladder function may be impaired
Driving: Driving is physically impossible for most people
Life-Threatening
0.30%+- Loss of consciousness / stupor
- Risk of respiratory failure
- Risk of coma
- Potential death from alcohol poisoning
- Suppression of vital life functions
Driving: Seek immediate medical attention
Understanding Blood Alcohol Content
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) measures the percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream. A BAC of 0.08% means there are 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. BAC is influenced by multiple factors including body weight, biological sex, rate of consumption, food intake, and individual metabolism.
The chart is most useful as a quick reference for understanding what common BAC ranges like 0.05, 0.08, 0.15, or 0.20 usually mean in practice. As BAC rises, judgment, reaction time, coordination, and self-control all worsen, which is why even levels below the legal limit can still be dangerous.