Stephen Schultz | April 28, 2025 | Car Accidents
Can you have one drink and drive? The answer to that question is not as straightforward as you might imagine. There is more than one way to commit DUI by driving after only one drink, for example.
Even if you are not legally drunk, you might still have an accident because of one drink. A single beer, for instance, might encourage you to take that curve just a little faster.
How Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Works
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a measure of the percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream. A BAC of 0.08% is the legal limit for driving in Missouri, and you must stay below this limit to drive legally. Even a single drink can significantly increase your BAC, especially if certain factors are present:
- The lower your body weight, the higher your BAC.
- The faster you consume alcohol, the higher the temporary spike in your BAC.
- Your BAC will spike earlier if you drink on an empty stomach.
- A female will experience a higher BAC than a male, even at the same body weight and the same amount of alcohol.
- Some people lack the ability to metabolize alcohol as well as others. These people will see a higher BAC after drinking the same amount of alcohol as a person with an average ability to metabolize alcohol.
- Timing matters. Your BAC will spike 30 to 60 minutes after your last drink, and it will decline gradually afterwards.
These factors may not apply to every single circumstance, but they generally hold true in most cases.
Missouri’s DUI Law
In Missouri, as in every state but Utah, the general limit is 0.08%–if you hit .08%, you are legally intoxicated. Missouri imposes special limits for minors and commercial drivers.
“Zero Tolerance” for Minors
If you are a minor under 21, you are subject to Missouri’s zero-tolerance law. Missouri can prosecute you for DUI and suspend your driver’s license for a BAC as low as 02%.
Special Rule for Commercial Drivers
In Missouri, CDL holders operating commercial vehicles can face arrest and suspension of their commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a BAC as low as .04%. Keep in mind that if the same driver exits their commercial vehicle and starts driving a non-commercial vehicle, the limit goes back up to .08%.
Impaired Driving
In Missouri, a police officer can arrest you for DUI even if your BAC is below .08%, as long as the quality of your driving, and perhaps the results of a sobriety test, indicate that you are impaired. Too many factors influence impairment to rely solely on BAC.
Alternatives To Driving After Drinking
Here are a few of the ways you can stay safe:
- Use a designated driver (their alcohol limit should be zero);
- Use Uber or Lyft; or
- If you are drinking at someone’s home, stay overnight.
You can probably think of many more ways to avoid driving drunk.
Have You Been Injured in a DUI Accident?
If you have suffered an injury in a St. Louis DUI accident, you may be entitled to more compensation than you realize. Nevertheless, victory is not automatic, even if the defendant was drunk at the time of the accident. You will also have to establish causation and damages.
If a lot of money is at stake, you might need a car accident lawyer to gather evidence, apply the law to the facts of your case, and negotiate a settlement. The sooner you act, the better your chances will be. Call for a free consultation today.
Contact the St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers
The pain, suffering, lost wages, and medical bills related to delayed pain can quickly take a toll. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. If you’re experiencing delayed pain after an accident, schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case and protect your legal rights.
If you’ve been injured, please contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1430 Washington Ave Ste 225
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr
St. Louis, MO 63124
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502
Columbia, MO 65201
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
