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What happens if you refuse to take a BAC test when stopped by a police officer?

Correct answer

  • You may lose your license.
  • You will be given a warning.
  • Nothing will happen.

Explanation

In most U.S. states, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers over 21 is 0.08%. This means if your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you're considered legally intoxicated and unfit to drive. At or above that level, police can arrest you for DUI (driving under the influence). Some states have even lower limits for certain drivers – for example, 0.04% for commercial drivers and often a zero-tolerance (0.00% to 0.02%) policy for drivers under 21. Exceeding 0.08% greatly increases the risk of accidents because alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. For instance, someone with a BAC of 0.10% is significantly more likely to cause a crash than a sober driver. Legally, driving above the limit can result in license suspension, heavy fines, and even jail time, aside from the dangerous safety risk.

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