What Is the Legal Limit for Alcohol in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is a strict state when it comes to laws against driving under the influence. The legal limit for Massachusetts drivers is .08 BAC of higher. Massachusetts drivers under 21 have a maximum legal limit BAC of .02 or higher. Each come with their own sets of consequences that vary depending on the severity of your charges.

What Is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?

To be charged with a DUI in Massachusetts, police take into consideration whether you are over the BAC legal limit. BAC stands for blood alcohol concentration. It is the measurement of alcohol intoxication expressed as mass of alcohol per volume of blood. In the legal and medical systems, this measurement helps determine how intoxicated an individual is based on how much of their blood supply contains alcohol.

A person may begin experiencing the effects of alcohol with a BAC as low as .02%. This is the legal limit for drivers under the age of 21 in Massachusetts. The higher the percentage gets, the more likely a driver is to feel significant effects of alcohol consumption in their body. This can cloud judgment, lower mental and physical response times, and poses a serious risk to other drivers on the road when someone gets behind the wheel of a vehicle.

BAC Legal Limit for Underage Drivers

Massachusetts does not take risks when it comes to drivers under the age of 21 getting DUIs. An underage DUI charge becomes more serious if the driver’s BAC is 0.08% or greater. At this point, the RMV can suspend/revoke the driver’s learner’s permit or license for 30 days under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 24 (1)(f)(2).

If the DUI charge is an underage driver’s first offense, they may have the opportunity for lower punishments under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 24D. Consult with your DUI attorney as soon as possible if this applies to your case. Having an DUI attorney by your side from start to finish gives you the best opportunity at reduces punishments. In some cases, drivers charged with a DUI may get the charge overturned or have the case settle before it reaches trial.

Seek Representation from a Massachusetts DUI Lawyer

After getting arrested or charged with a DUI, a driver still has options available for them. Getting charged is not an admission of guilt and does not always end up in a conviction. The best chance a driver has at reducing risk of legal punishment for a DUI is through consulting with a DUI lawyer. They will guide you through the legal proceedings from start to finish and assess your unique case.

In some cases, drivers find their DUI charges dropped by the judge. Reasons for this include:

• First-offense DUIs
• Insufficient evidence
• Unlawful traffic stop

If your case does lead to a conviction, a Massachusetts lawyer can help you reduce your punishments to the best of their ability under the court of law.