What are the penalties for drunk driving with a BAC below 20?
3 Answers
There are no corresponding penalties for drunk driving with a BAC below 20, and no action is required. Sometimes, traffic police may advise the driver to find a friend to drive instead, as driving after drinking can inevitably have some effects, such as drowsiness, visual impairment, reduced judgment and operational abilities, and decreased tactile sensitivity. According to the thresholds and testing regulations for blood and breath alcohol content in drunk driving issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China: drunk driving refers to driving behavior where the driver's blood alcohol content is greater than or equal to 20mg per 100ml of blood but less than 80mg. Drunk driving with a BAC of 80mg or more per 100ml of blood is considered a more severe offense.
I've had quite a few discussions about drunk driving. If the blood alcohol concentration is below 20 mg/100 ml, it usually doesn't meet the drunk driving standard, so there's no penalty. The law clearly states that drunk driving starts from 20 and above. For example, last week I had a beer at a gathering with friends, and the breath test showed only 15. The police just gave me a warning and let me go. But this doesn't mean you can let your guard down—any amount of alcohol can affect reaction time. Remember, don't touch a drop before driving. Safety comes first to avoid accidents that could harm others or yourself. Regularly check local traffic laws and pay attention to advice from driving forums to prevent problems before they arise.
From a legal perspective, a blood alcohol concentration below 20 is not considered illegal and thus carries no penalties. The threshold for drunk driving penalties ranges between 20 and 80, which may result in point deductions, fines, or even detention for severe cases. However, in actual law enforcement, police might issue warnings or provide education. Based on experience, I advise against testing the limits—even with low readings, misjudging road conditions is possible. Watching news reports on tragedies caused by drunk driving can help reinforce the habit of calling a designated driver after drinking. This not only ensures safety but also avoids legal troubles. Learning some traffic knowledge during regular car maintenance can be quite beneficial.
