Drinking and Driving Laws in Nevada
The State of Nevada prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above. The .08 BAC standard is the measurement used across the United States for the "impaired" driver. Nevada has lower limits for drivers under the age of 21 and commercial drivers. In addition to alcohol, drivers can also be arrested and convicted of driving under the influence with a score lower than .08 if they are found to be under the influence of controlled or prohibited substances such as marijuana, cocaine, barbiturates, and other drugs.
How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Nevada?
It is difficult to determine the exact number of drinks a driver needs to reach the .08 limit. Each individual has unique physical characteristics such as weight, sex, and body-fat percentage that play a role in the BAC equation. Some studies have shown that individuals may experience a .05 percent BAC increase for each drink taken. There are also charts and calculators that can be used as a reference, however these devices should not be used as the determining factor when considering drinking and driving.
The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of Nevada has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in Nevada, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.
Drunk Driving Laws in Nevada
State of Nevada BAC Laws:
All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
Commercial Vehicle Driver - Any Detectable Amount of Alcohol
Nevada Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first drunk driving conviction in Nevada will cost you between $400 up to $1,000. You will be placed in jail for 2 days up to 6 months, or you will be ordered to serve 96 hours of community service. Your drivers license will be suspended for 90 days. After half of your drivers license suspension has passed, the court may allow you to drive with a restricted license for the remainder of your sentence. You will also be ordered to attend a DUI school at your own expense, and you may also be ordered to attend a alcohol treatment program if your BAC was .08 or above.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
If your second drunk driving conviction was within 7 years of the previous DUI, your drivers license will be suspended for 1 year without the possibility of a restricted license being issued to you. You will also be ordered to jail or residential confinement from 10 days to 6 months. The fine for your second DUI will be from $750-$1,000 and you will be ordered to serve from 100 to 200 hours of community service. The court may suspend the registration of your vehicle and you may also be placed under clinical supervision of a treatment facility for up to 1 year.
Third and Subsequent Drunk Driving Convictions
If you are convicted for drunk driving a third time within 7 years of your previous conviction your drivers license will be revoked for 3 years. You will also be sentenced to prison from 1 to 6 years and fined from $2,000-$5,000. Your vehicle registration could be suspended and you may be ordered to attend a alcohol treatment program for a minimum of 3 years.
The Implied Consent Law in Nevada
The implied consent law in Nevada means that drivers in the State of Nevada give their consent to a test of their blood, breath or urine if they are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both. If you refuse such a test a law enforcement officer may use reasonable force to obtain one of the samples listed above. In addition, the penalty for refusing to submit to a chemical test are equal or greater to failing a chemical test.
Additional Information on Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines in Nevada
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