Understanding the BAC Table in the Handbook

Study the BAC Table

On the official California DMV Test, there is always a question (or two) based on the table showing BAC estimates based on how many drinks are consumed, gender, and body weight.

Ensure you study the table and understand what it tries to tell you.

Blood Alcohol Concentration Table in the California Driver Handbook

Know When You are Legally Intoxicated

In California, it is illegal for you to drive if you have a BAC of:

  • 0.08% or higher (21 years or older).
  • 0.01% or higher (Under 21 years old).
  • 0.01% or higher (If on DUI probation).
  • 0.04% or higher (Commercial vehicle).
  • 0.04% or higher (Driving a passenger for hire).

Even if your BAC is below legal limits, that does not mean it is safe for you to drive. Remember, even a single drink can affect your ability to drive safely.

Why Gender and Weight Matters

Women generally have less water and more body fat per pound of body weight. Since fat doesn’t absorb alcohol as quickly as other cells, more alcohol remains in the bloodstream of women.

A woman weighing 100 lbs. can be legally intoxicated when she s on her second drink.

Study the BAC table and see how women and men are affected by a few drinks.

You should also notice that the more you weigh, the less you will be affected by alcohol. But when two people weigh the same, the body fat percentage will make a difference.

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What is One Drink?

Read the text below the table.

In the United States, a standard drink contains about 0.6 fl oz. or 14 grams of pure alcohol.

This corresponds roughly to the following:

  • 1.5 fl oz. Shot of 80-proof distilled spirits.
  • 12 fl oz. of regular beer (5 %).
  • Five fl oz. of table wine (12 %).

In other words, it doesn’t matter if you drink a standard drink of beer, wine, or spirits; they all contain the same amount of pure alcohol and will affect you the same way.

A 16 oz. glass of beer, for example, is more than the standard drink. Since beers can contain more than 5 % alcohol (ABV), 16 oz. of beer can contain up to 2 ounces of pure alcohol (more than three standard drinks).

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