How Many Beers Can You Drink in an Hour and Still Drive in North Carolina? 2024

Every state in the country, including North Carolina, has very strict laws against driving while intoxicated (DWI). If you are ever pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, the resulting legal consequences could seriously hurt your future. A DWI conviction can hurt your job opportunities, your personal relationships, and even your ability to drive. Everyone’s tolerance is different. You may wonder, “How many beers can you drink in an hour and still drive in North Carolina?”

How Many Beers Can You Drink in an Hour and Still Drive in North Carolina?

The short answer is none. It really doesn’t matter what your tolerance for alcohol is like or how many drinks you may have had in an hour. Regardless of how sober you may think you are after consuming a number of beers, you are considered legally intoxicated under North Carolina state law if you are found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08%. The amount of drinks you may have had is not taken into consideration. All that matters is your BAC level.

The DWI Sentencing Levels in North Carolina

North Carolina punishes DWI offenders in various stages or levels. The penalties you could be facing as a result of your DWI will be dependent on:

• The severity of your offense
• Your BAC level at the time of your arrest
• Whether this is your first offense

If you are ever arrested for a DWI, you should immediately reach out to a DWI lawyer who can start working on a viable defense strategy. Here are the various levels of misdemeanor DWI offenses:

• Level V: The fifth level of a misdemeanor DWI offense is generally the least serious. You may be looking at a fine and a minimum jail sentence. The judge could even suspend your sentence, provided you serve that minimum jail sentence or the same amount of time doing community service or you don’t drive for a set time.
• Level IV: At the fourth level, the penalties get somewhat more serious. The fine and minimum jail sentence will be a bit longer. However, the judge could suspend your sentence, but the time spent in jail, doing community service, or not driving your vehicle will also be a bit longer.
• Level III: The penalties get even more serious at the third level. Your fine and minimum jail term will be much longer than in the previous two levels. Even at this level, a judge can still suspend your sentence after you spend a few days in jail or doing community service. They can also suspend your sentence if you don’t drive at all for a certain time.
• Level II: The penalties rise significantly at the second level. You may be looking at a large fine and a mandatory sentence of some time behind bars. By this point, the judge can no longer offer any reprieve, so you will likely end up facing some jail time.
• Level I: Level I is the most serious level that a misdemeanor DWI can go to. The fine and minimum jail term is significantly longer. At this level, a judge cannot suspend your sentence, and some stretch of jail time is almost a certainty. This level is typically reserved for repeat offenders and drunk drivers with small children in the car.

FAQs

Q: Can I Drive After Two Beers?

A: Whether somebody can drive a vehicle after two beers is dependent entirely on their metabolism. Some people may not feel drunk at all after drinking two beers. The matter of whether you should is a completely different question. No, you shouldn’t drive after consuming two beers or any amount of alcohol, for that matter. If your BAC levels reach 0.08%, you could be arrested for a DWI, regardless of how sober you may feel.

Q: What Is the Alcohol Limit for Driving in North Carolina?

A: The legal limit for your blood alcohol content (BAC) in North Carolina is 0.08%. Therefore, if your BAC levels are found to be above 0.08%, even slightly, you are considered legally intoxicated and cannot operate a vehicle. If you are driving a commercial vehicle, the legal limit is 0.04%. These are the numbers in most American states. If you consume any alcohol, you should always avoid driving a vehicle.

Q: How Many Beers Is 0.08% Alcohol?

A: There is no standard number of beers that might equate to a 0.08% blood alcohol content, as everybody’s body chemistry is slightly different. Some people have a higher tolerance for alcohol than others. For an average-sized man, it might take around five beers in two hours to reach 0.08%. For an average-sized woman, it might take three. Then again, you have to consider individual tolerance. If you plan to drink, don’t plan to drive.

Q: Can You Drive If You Have One Drink Per Hour?

A: No, you should not drive if you have one drink per hour. Alcohol is generally absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. Just one drink can affect your motor skills and make it very dangerous for you to drive. Even if you confidently try to pace yourself, there is no way to know how drunk you could end up at the end of the night. The last thing you should do in that situation is get behind the wheel of a car.

Reach Out to a DWI Lawyer Today

Facing a DWI charge can be one of the most unsettling moments of your life. Everything has the potential to change should that charge turn into a conviction. You may be thinking you’ve already lost, but that’s simply not true. An experienced DWI lawyer can fight the charges and advocate for you throughout your entire case.

Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, can provide you with quality representation for combating your charge. We can build up a strong defense, gather evidence that backs up your claim, and keep your interests protected the entire time. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our seasoned law firm today.