Driving under the influence is a serious issue in Missouri, especially in a city like St. Louis, where busy streets, nightlife, and community events are part of everyday life. One of the most common questions people ask is, “Can I have just one drink and still be safe to drive?”
The answer is not as simple as you may think. This article breaks it down in easy terms so you can understand the risks, laws, and safe choices when it comes to drinking and driving in St. Louis.
What Is Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?
BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Content. It’s the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. In Missouri, it’s illegal to drive if your BAC is 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, any amount of alcohol in the system can lead to charges.
A “standard” drink in the U.S. usually means:
- 12 ounces of beer
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of distilled liquor (like whiskey or vodka)
But BAC levels vary depending on many factors, even if you’ve only had one drink. Even one drink can impact your BAC depending on your body and the situation. Don’t assume “one” is safe for everyone.
Factors That Affect Your BAC
A 120-pound person will feel the effects of alcohol more than a 200-pound person. Women also tend to absorb alcohol faster than men. Some other factors that may influence your BAC include:
- Food in your stomach: Drinking on an empty stomach causes alcohol to enter your bloodstream faster. Eating before or while drinking can slow absorption, but doesn’t stop it.
- Time between drinks: If you have one drink and wait an hour before driving, your BAC may drop a bit. But this depends on your metabolism and other factors.
- Medication and health conditions: If you are on medications or have health issues, one drink may affect you more strongly.
Your BAC is not only about how much you drink, but also who you are, what you ate, and what your body is dealing with at the time.
Legal Limits and Penalties in Missouri
For adults over 21, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. For commercial drivers, it’s 0.04%. For drivers under 21, Missouri has a “zero tolerance” law. If you’re caught driving over the legal limit, even slightly, you could face:
- Jail time
- Fines up to $1,000 or more
- Driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
- Higher car insurance rates
Even if your BAC is below 0.08%, you can still be charged if your driving is impaired. Missouri laws are strict. Even a small mistake can lead to serious legal and financial problems.
Can You Be Impaired Below the Legal Limit?
Some people may feel buzzed or tipsy with a BAC of 0.02% or 0.05%, which is still under the legal limit. You may have slower reflexes, poor judgment, and trouble focusing. If you cause an accident or are driving poorly, even below 0.08%, police can still charge you with impaired driving. Being “under the limit” doesn’t always mean you’re safe to drive. Impairment can start with your very first drink.
Stay Safe–Contact a Lawyer for Help
The truth is, there’s no clear answer to whether one drink is “safe” to drive. Everyone’s body is different, and Missouri laws are strict. Even if you feel fine, your reaction time and judgment may already be affected. The best decision? If you drink, don’t drive. Call a friend, get a ride, or wait it out. It’s better to be safe than sorry, for your sake and for everyone else on the road.
If you have questions or concerns about DUI laws in Missouri or have been in a DUI accident, call Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a consultation with a St. Louis personal injury lawyer.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the best personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers. We proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
