What is the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) threshold for OWI per se?

The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) threshold for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) per se is 0.08. This means that if a driver's BAC measures at or above this level, they can be automatically charged with OWI, regardless of whether their driving was impaired. This threshold is established to provide a clear, objective standard for law enforcement and to enhance public safety by deterring impaired driving.

A BAC of 0.08 is widely recognized and adopted in many jurisdictions across the United States, including Indiana. It reflects a balance between allowing legal alcohol consumption and addressing the risks associated with impaired driving. For drivers under the age of 21 or those with certain commercial licenses, this threshold may be lower to account for the increased risks associated with younger or less experienced drivers.

Understanding this threshold is crucial for law enforcement as it helps them identify and prevent impaired driving, which can lead to traffic accidents and fatalities.