The legal driving limit in Maryland is 0.08. But what does this mean? Is it legally OK to drive after drinking a beer? But what about two beers? And are four beers the same as three beers?
The answer is really going to come down to you as a person. While some people are legally intoxicated after just one drink, others can have more and still be below the legal limit.
Understanding blood alcohol
How alcohol is going to affect someone is dependent on a number of factors. Some of these are within your control, while others are not:
- How quickly you drink. There is a world of difference between sipping one beer over the course of an hour versus slamming one down in five minutes.
- If you ate or not. You will most likely feel drunk faster if you are drinking on an empty stomach.
- Your weight and height plays a role, as does gender. For example, a man who is 6 feet 4 inches tall can drink more than a woman who is 5 feet 2 inches tall.
- Drinking while taking a medication can substantially impact impairment.
In general, it is important to know your limits when it comes to drinking. However, it is also equally important to know your rights when it comes to drunk driving accusations.
While it is against the law to drive over the legal limit in Maryland, accusations are not always accurate and proper arrest protocols are often missed. Even if you did have a beer before being pulled over, this does not necessarily mean you are guilty of drunk driving — regardless of what the officer may be claiming.