As a Colorado college student, you likely have the freedom to go to bars and parties and drink alcohol with friends. However, you may be put in a situation where you are asked to drive a friend home while you are under the influence. Before leaving a bar or party after consuming alcohol and driving home, it is important to be aware of drunk driving laws. Violating state laws could jeopardize your college education.
Here are some questions that you may have that could help you understand drunk driving laws:
Question 1: What is the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Colorado?
Answer: Blood alcohol content is the amount of alcohol that is found in the body at the time of testing. The more alcohol someone drinks, the higher their BAC will be. In Colorado, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. While your BAC may be below the legal limit, that may not mean you are safe to drive. You could still be affected by the alcohol, which could make you unsafe behind the wheel.
Question 2: What happens during traffic stops?
Answer: The police will often signal for you to pull over your vehicle to begin a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the police may ask you questions about your current state and test your BAC levels.
Question 3: Can you refuse a breath test?
Answer: Breath tests are used to determine your BAC levels. While you may be able to initially refuse the test without penalties, you could face serious legal repercussions if you refuse a chemical test after an arrest.
If you are arrested and facing criminal charges for drunk driving, it can behoove you to learn about your legal options and protect your education.