Question

At what BAC is a person under 21 considered intoxicated?

Answer 1

A person under 21 is considered legally intoxicated at a BAC of 0.00% to 0.02%, depending on the state, due to zero-tolerance laws.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the United States, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for individuals under the age of 21 is 0.00% to 0.02%, depending on the state.

This is in contrast to the general legal limit of 0.08% BAC for those over the age of 21. For those under the legal drinking age, any detectable amount of alcohol can be grounds for a DUI or similar charge due to zero-tolerance laws.

Alcohol affects individuals differently, and factors such as age, sex, body weight, and food intake can influence how quickly one becomes intoxicated.

The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 enforces a minimum drinking age of 21, and states have set strict laws to prevent underage drinking and driving.

While alcohol tolerance may vary, the law is quite clear in defining the acceptable BAC for those under 21 as essentially a no-tolerance limit.

Answer 2

Underage individuals in the U.S. are legally intoxicated at a BAC of 0.02% or higher. This threshold is part of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which mandates a zero-tolerance policy to discourage underage drinking and driving.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the United States, individuals under the age of 21 are considered legally intoxicated when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.02% or higher. This standard is lower than the 0.08% legal limit for adults over 21, reflecting a zero-tolerance approach aimed at deterring underage drinking and driving. According to the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, states must adhere to this limit to not forfeit federal highway funds. The detection of BAC can be done through blood or breath testing, with devices like the Breathalyzer measuring the ethanol concentration in the breath which correlates with the BAC.

It is important to understand that alcohol metabolism rates vary between individuals, and factors such as weight, gender, and overall health can influence how quickly a person becomes intoxicated. Nevertheless, the set limits exist to enforce safety on the roads and reduce the risk of alcohol-related accidents. Since the body metabolizes alcohol at a rate of approximately 3.3 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) per hour, it can take several hours for a legally intoxicated person to become sober after they stop drinking. Hence, it's crucial for young people to be aware of these regulations and the dangers associated with consuming alcohol.