A Brief History of Drunk Driving Laws
Throughout the course of our nation’s history, laws and regulations have continuously evolved to address various societal issues, and driving under the influence (DUI) is no exception. Each state in the United States has the authority to create, pass, and enforce its own DUI laws. It’s important to note that a DUI offense not only affects your driving record but also carries criminal and financial penalties.
The Origins of Drinking and Driving Legislation
The prohibition of drinking and driving first took place in 1910, starting with the state of New York. Following suit, California passed a law that specifically criminalized driving under the influence of alcohol. As these two states set an example, neighboring states acted promptly to implement their own legislation.
DUI Laws in the 1910s
While states were eager to pass laws against drinking and driving during the early 1900s, these laws remained rather broad and lacked clear definitions of what constituted “drunk driving.” Today, each state has its own standards when it comes to levels of impairment, resulting in varying criminal and financial consequences.
DUI Laws in the 1930s
In the 1930s, road safety emerged as a national concern, prompting two major organizations to address the issue and promote safer travel. The American Medical Association assembled a task force to study factors contributing to car accidents and injuries, while the National Safety Council conducted research and set criteria for testing and measuring intoxication levels.
By 1938, a national standard was established to determine intoxication levels and drunk driving. The organizations recommended a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of .15 or higher as an indication of impairment, while BAC levels below that were considered non-intoxicated.
DUI Laws in the 1970s
During the 1970s, with car ownership becoming more widespread, changes were made to drunk driving laws. Intoxication thresholds were modified, and the legal drinking age across the United States was raised from 18 to 21. These developments brought significant changes to DUI laws.
Increased emphasis on combating drunk driving brought about stricter enforcement and a reduction in the legal BAC limit from .15 to .10 in the 1980s. Subsequently, during the 1990s, the legal limit was further lowered to .08 BAC.
Modern American DUI Laws
Since the 1990s, most states have continued to strengthen their DUI laws, incorporating what is known as “Zero Tolerance” legislation. This means that underage individuals found to have any level of alcohol in their system are automatically charged with a DUI.
Prominent organizations dedicated to combating drinking and driving have played a crucial role in shaping and enforcing DUI laws nationwide. They continue to work alongside law enforcement agencies and lawmakers to keep the issue at the forefront of public consciousness. For more information, visit Garrity Traina.