Alcohol and Drug Impairment Laws Flashcards

In North Carolina, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 years old?

Answer: 0.00% — any detectable amount

North Carolina has a zero-tolerance law making it illegal for drivers under 21 to drive with any alcohol in their system.

What is the BAC limit for a person driving a commercial motor vehicle in North Carolina?

Answer: 0.04%

Commercial drivers in North Carolina are considered impaired at a BAC of 0.04%, half the standard limit.

Under North Carolina's implied consent law, what happens if you refuse a chemical test after a lawful DWI arrest?

Answer: Your license is revoked for at least one year

Refusing a chemical test triggers an automatic license revocation of at least 12 months, separate from any DWI conviction.

A driver stopped in North Carolina has an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of the vehicle. What does the law say?

Answer: It is illegal to have an open alcohol container in the passenger area while driving

North Carolina law prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a highway.

Which of the following can result in a DWI charge in North Carolina even if the driver's BAC is below 0.08%?

Answer: Being appreciably impaired by any impairing substance

A driver can be convicted of DWI if appreciably impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any other impairing substance, regardless of BAC.

How does alcohol primarily affect a person's driving ability?

Answer: It slows reaction time and impairs judgment

Alcohol is a depressant that slows reaction time, reduces coordination, and impairs judgment even at low levels.

In North Carolina, can a driver be charged with impaired driving for using legally prescribed medication?

Answer: Yes, if the medication appreciably impairs their driving

A valid prescription is not a defense to DWI if the drug appreciably impairs the driver's mental or physical faculties.