Expert: Philip Sweeting - 2/1/2007

Question
Hi
I wish to know what is the limit to drive after consuming alcohol drink. How do they measure the content. What is the punishment if cought driving after drink

Answer
How much you can drink before you are over the limit depends on your body weight, the alcohol content of whatever you are drinking and the laws in your state.
But generally speaking if a 150 lb. person has two beers he will register a .05. That number will change depending on your weight. So if you weighed more than 150 in theory you could drink more then two beers before you register .05.

In FL your are over the limit if your register .08...a rough estimate would be three beers an hour for a 150 lb. person.

But you should also remember that your tolerance to alcohol has a lot to do with you being able drive a vehicle.
Someone who doesn't drink much probably shouldn't drive after one drink...on the other hand an alcoholic can be over the limit and show no signs of being intoxicated but they can still be arrested for driving while impaired.

I'm not a chemist but the alcohol content can be measured by a blood sample or your breath by blowing into a machine made for that purpose. As for the punishment, again that depends on the laws in your state but generally for a first time offender it is generally a fine, your license is suspended for 6 months and you are required to attend some kind of alcohol  treatment program.

But even if it is your first time and you kill someone while driving drunk...you are going to jail for at least 5 years. Your best bet is to not drink and drive but if you must a good rule is no more than two drinks an hour. Hope this helps.