What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21 in California?
What is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for a California driver under 21?
The answer
The limit for a driver under 21 is a BAC of 0.01% or higher. The handbook lists 0.08% for drivers over 21 and 0.04% for commercial vehicles or passengers for hire.
The handbook lists the limits as 0.08% for drivers over 21, 0.01% for drivers under 21 and for anyone on DUI probation, and 0.04% for drivers of commercial vehicles or passengers for hire.
It adds that you can be arrested for DUI below these limits if you are impaired.
Exceptions
- The 0.08% limit is the handbook's figure for drivers over 21 who are not on DUI probation and not driving commercially.
- Being below the limit is not a defense if you are impaired.
Penalty
The handbook says that if you are convicted of a DUI with a BAC of 0.01% or higher, DMV may revoke your driving privilege for one year, and you must complete a licensed DUI program.
Why this rule matters for safety
Alcohol slows reaction time and weakens judgment. Young and new drivers have less experience, so the law sets the limit near zero.
Official sources
- California Driver's Handbook, Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs · California DMVBAC limits; penalties for drivers under 21; no edition date shown on the page; site copyright 2026
Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the California agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.
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