What You Must Know about California Alcohol Laws

California Alcohol Laws

1. Is it illegal to consume alcohol while driving or riding as a passenger in a vehicle?

A) Only for passengers

B) Yes, for both driver and passengers

C) Only for the driver

In California, it is illegal for both drivers and passengers to consume alcohol or cannabis in a vehicle.

2. What are the rules for carrying unopened containers of alcohol in a car if you are under 21?

A) The container must always be in the trunk

B) It is always prohibited

C) It is allowed if someone who is at least 21 is with you

You may not carry any alcoholic beverage inside a vehicle unless an individual who is 21 years old or older is with you. The container must be full, sealed, and unopened. If opened, you must keep the alcohol in the trunk or a place where passengers do not sit.

3. Can law enforcement impound your vehicle for alcohol-related offenses?

A) No

B) Yes, in certain cases

C) Only if it's a commercial vehicle

Law enforcement in California has the authority to impound a vehicle for certain alcohol-related offenses, such as DUI. You may have to pay a storage fee.

4. At what BAC level is it illegal for individuals under 21 to drive?

A) 0.01%

B) 0.04%

C) 0.08%

For drivers under 21, California has a zero-tolerance policy, making it illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher.

5. What are the consequences if you refuse a blood or urine test when suspected of DUI?

A) License suspension

B) No consequences

C) Written warning

Refusing a blood or urine test when suspected of DUI can lead to automatic license suspension under California law.

6. How long do DUI convictions remain on a driver's record in California?

A) 5 years

B) 22 years

C) 10 years

DUI convictions stay on a driver's record in California for 10 years.

7. Can you be arrested for DUI even if your BAC is below the legal limit?

A) Yes, if driving is impaired

B) Only if you are under 21

C) Never

Drivers can be arrested for DUI in California if their driving is impaired, even if their BAC is below the legal limit.

8. California's driving under the influence (DUI) laws apply to:

A) Both alcohol and drugs

B) Only alcohol and illegal drugs

C) Only alcohol

California's driving under the influence (DUI) laws apply to both alcohol and drugs. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects your ability to drive safely.

9. What should you do if you are taking medication and unsure about its effects on driving?

A) Avoid driving

B) Drive only short distances

C) Let a friend decide

If you're unsure about the effects of medication on your driving ability, the safest option is to avoid driving until you are sure.

10. Which is the only safe BAC limit for drivers?

A) 0.00%

B) 0.04%

C) 0.08%

The only safe driving limit is .00. Remember, even one drink can affect your driving ability.

11. Where should you keep an opened container of alcohol when you drive?

A) In a locked glove box

B) In the trunk or where passengers normally do not sit

C) In a back seat

The law is very strict about carrying alcohol or cannabis products in your vehicle with you. It is illegal to drink any alcohol, to smoke, or eat a cannabis product while you are driving or riding as a passenger in a vehicle. If you carry any alcohol or cannabis in your car, the container must be sealed and unopened. If it is open, keep the container in the trunk or where passengers do not sit. It is also illegal to keep an open container of alcohol in your glove box.

12. Which will typically affect your BAC most?

A) Your weight

B) How physically fit you are

C) What kind of alcoholic beverage you drink

Your BAC depends on how many drinks are consumed, gender, and body weight. Remember, even one drink can affect your ability to drive safely.

13. What does California's Administrative Per Se law require if a driver is arrested for DUI?

A) Immediate fine

B) Vehicle impoundment

C) License suspension

If you are arrested for DUI, California's Administrative Per Se law requires the DMV to suspend your driving privileges. The law enforcement officer may take your driver's license and give you a temporary one for 30 days. You may request a DMV administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.

14. What is the BAC limit for commercial drivers in California?

A) 0.08%

B) 0.10%

C) 0.04%

The legal BAC limit for commercial drivers in California is 0.04%, which is lower than that for non-commercial drivers.

15. Transporting an open alcohol containers in a car is:

A) Allowed if you are over 21

B) Prohibited entirely

C) Allowed if in the trunk

California law allows the transportation of open alcohol containers in the trunk of the vehicle. Carrying them in the passenger area is illegal.

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The Importance of Our Alcohol Laws

About 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes every day. That is more than one person every hour.

In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2020.

These deaths were all preventable, which is one reason for the DMV to make sure you understand the effect alcohol and drugs have on your driving.

The BAC Table in the Handbook

By law, there is always a question on the DMV test based on the handbook table showing BAC estimates based on how many drinks a person drinks, their gender, and body weight.

It is an excellent idea to study the table and understand what it tries to tell you.

Alcohol Awareness

This alcohol awareness test with 15 questions addresses essential facts about alcohol laws and the consequences of driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs or a combination of both.

Remember that the laws apply to both alcohol and drugs, and they do not see a difference between illegal drugs and medications you get from a doctor or pharmacy. Many drugs have the potential to affect your driving ability, and it is your responsibility to know when you can drive safely.

You should never drink alcohol while you are taking other drugs. Some drugs multiply the effects of alcohol. The adverse effects are not just doubled or added together – they are multiplied. These effects not only reduce your ability to be a safe driver but could cause serious health problems, even death.

California Alcohol Laws

California has a zero-tolerance law for minors. The law means that it is illegal for you to drive if you have a BAC of 0.01% or higher if you are under 21 years old. In reality, it means that you are breaking the law with even the smallest amount of alcohol in your blood.

For adults, the BAC limit is 0.08%, but it is essential to know that even one drink can impair your ability to drive safely.

Most people experience adverse effects of alcohol, even at levels lower than the legal limit. Depending on how badly alcohol impairs you, a law enforcement officer can arrest you, and a court can convict you of a DUI even without a BAC measurement.

You should also understand that California’s Administrative Per Se law requires the DMV to suspend your driving privilege if the police arrest you for driving under the influence. The officer can take your driver’s license on the spot and give you a temporary one for 30 days. If the court later convicts you of a DUI, the DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege, usually for up to one year.

California Open Container Laws

It is always against the law to drink any alcohol, smoke or eat a cannabis product while you are driving or riding as a passenger in a vehicle.

This means that you cannot carry any alcohol or cannabis in your vehicle unless the container is sealed and unopened. If you are under 21, someone over 21 must also be in the car.

If a container is open, keep it in the trunk or where passengers typically do not sit.

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