Watch Your BAC

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Charts

These charts are not intended to determine whether it is safe to drive. Driving impaired is never safe; you can be charged for impaired driving even if under the legal limit.

Blood Alcohol Chart Low A
Blood Alcohol Chart Low B
Blood Alcohol Chart Upper B
Blood Alcohol Chart Upper B

Stay in the Gold Zone

  • BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Concentration. BAC is the concentration of alcohol in your blood.
  • Important: these numbers will only be accurate if you are counting standard drinks (see below for a definition of a standard drink). Many drinks, especially mixed drinks, contain more than 1 standard drink worth of alcohol. For example, the Davis Trinity series, has the same amount of alcohol as 12-18 standard drinks. Drinking these three beverages within the same night can result in a very dangerous BAC.
  • The values on these BAC charts will vary based on sex, weight, body composition, food intake and other factors. These charts should not be used to determine whether it is safe to drive.
  • Driving impaired, even if over 21 and within the legal limit, is never safe. Opt to choose alternate transportation if choosing to consume alcoholic beverages.
  • A person age 21 or over can still receive a citation with a BAC above .02, due to impairment and the presence of alcohol in the system.
  • The legal BAC for driving, if under the age of 21, is 0.01.
  • It takes the body approximately one hour to metabolize a standard drink.
  • Although food can help, time is the only thing that will lower your BAC. It is a myth that drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or taking a walk will lower your BAC.
  • Carbonated drinks increase the rate of absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
  • Staying sober is always an option! Approximately 30% of UC Davis students have never used alcohol.