In most states in the US, a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is classified as driving while intoxicated (DWI) . This means that if a person has a BAC of 0.08% or greater, they are considered legally impaired and should not drive. It is important to note that different states can have different legal limits, so it is best to check the specific laws in your state. Additionally, it is possible to be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below 0.08%. For example, if a police officer deems you "noticeably impaired" or if you fall under your states zero tolerance laws (e.g., youre under 21 or have children in the car), you could face a DUI even if you are under the legal limit.
It is also worth noting that different BAC levels can have different effects on a persons behavior and physical abilities. For example, at a BAC of 0.07-0.09%, a person may experience mild impairment of speech, vision, coordination, and reaction times, making it dangerous for them to drive. At a BAC of 0.16-0.19%, a person may experience dysphoria, nausea, and difficulty walking, and may be at risk of falling and hurting themselves.
In summary, a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is classified as driving while intoxicated in most states in the US. However, it is important to check the specific laws in your state, and it is possible to be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below the legal limit. Different BAC levels can also have different effects on a persons behavior and physical abilities.