Can I Have Just One Drink and Be Safe to Drive in Georgia?

As social events and meals often include alcohol, it’s natural to wonder: Can I have just one drink and still be safe to drive? This question is especially critical in Georgia, where strict DUI laws impose serious consequences for impaired driving.

The Effects of “Just One Drink”

Many believe that a single drink doesn’t impair their driving—but that’s a dangerous misconception. Even one alcoholic drink can begin to affect:

• Reaction time: You may not respond quickly enough to road hazards.
• Judgment: Alcohol can make you overestimate your driving ability or take risks you normally wouldn’t.
• Focus and concentration: Even low blood alcohol levels can reduce your ability to concentrate behind the wheel.

Effects vary based on factors like body weight, gender, food intake, and alcohol tolerance, but no one is immune to alcohol’s impact.

Georgia’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

Under Georgia law:

• For drivers 21 and older, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%
• For commercial drivers, it’s 0.04%
• For drivers under 21, the limit is 0.02%

Even if you’re under the legal BAC limit, you can still be charged if your driving is impaired.

Legal Risks of Driving After Just One Drink

There are two ways you can be charged with DUI in Georgia:

• DUI “per se”: If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you are legally presumed to be impaired.
• DUI “less safe”: Even if your BAC is below 0.08%, you can be charged if an officer believes your driving is impaired. Signs might include:

  • Slurred speech
  • Erratic driving
  • Difficulty walking or standing

Consequences of a DUI conviction in Georgia may include:

• Fines: From $300 to $5,000, depending on your history
• License suspension
• Increased insurance rates
• Possible jail time
• A permanent criminal record, affecting employment, housing, and education

How DUI Affects Personal Injury Claims

If you're involved in a crash while under the influence, the legal consequences escalate significantly. A DUI accident can result in both:

• Criminal charges
• Civil liability, including lawsuits for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

Driving drunk is considered negligent behavior under Georgia law, making you legally responsible for resulting damages.

Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident? Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help

Even one drink can impair your ability to drive and expose you to serious legal risks. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a drunk driving accident, don’t face the legal battle alone.

Contact the experienced team at Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys in Georgia for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights, pursue compensation, and hold the at-fault party accountable.