Washington Written Drivers Permit Practice Test

At what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is a person considered legally intoxicated in Washington?

1. 0.05%

2. 0.08%

3. 0.10%

4. 0.12%

The correct answer is: 0.08%

In Washington, a person is considered legally intoxicated when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08%. This legal threshold is used for determining impaired driving, and being at or above this level signifies that a driver may not be able to operate a vehicle safely. The establishment of this specific BAC limit is based on research and data indicating that higher levels of alcohol in the bloodstream impair cognitive functions, coordination, and reaction times, which are critical for safe driving. Understanding this limit is crucial for drivers, as it emphasizes the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and the legal responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle. However, it is also worth noting that even a BAC below 0.08% can still result in a DUI charge if a driver's abilities are noticeably impaired. The other BAC levels mentioned are either lower than the legal limit or represent degrees of impairment that do not meet the legal threshold in Washington for intoxication.