Maryland law prohibits motorists from operating their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. You are legally drunk if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. However, you can be taken into custody for DUI even if you are under the legal limit, and this is because impairment begins after ingesting any amount of alcohol.
Your inhibitions wane
After a single drink, you may feel warm, happy and relaxed, which may increase your risk of speeding or engaging in other unsafe behaviors. Your BAC will be about .02%, and your body will take about an hour to filter the alcohol out of your system. However, suppose you have a limited tolerance to alcohol. In that case, this may be enough to cause issues processing information such as where you are in relation to other cars, people or objects.
Signs of impairment
There are several clues before you enter your vehicle that you may be about to engage in drunk driving. For example, you may have difficulty standing, have bloodshot eyes or are slurring your words. Other signs of impairment may include difficulty completing basic tasks such as finding your car or using your car keys. Ideally, you will car for a ride, walk home or stay where you are until you are sober enough to drive. Establishments may allow you to keep your car in their parking lot overnight as an incentive to not drive while impaired.
Impaired driving may increase your risk of getting into an accident or being stopped by authorities. You may be charged with violating implied consent laws if you refuse to submit to a chemical test. You may face penalties such as a license suspension even if you’re cleared of a drunk driving charge.