Many drivers believe that having a single alcoholic beverage before getting behind the wheel is harmless. However, alcohol affects individuals differently, and even one drink can impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely. In Louisiana, the consequences of misjudging your level of impairment can be serious—both legally and physically.
Before deciding to drive after drinking, it’s important to understand how alcohol is processed by the body, what the law says, and the risks involved.
Louisiana’s Legal Limit and What It Really Means
In Louisiana, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers over 21. However, there’s a catch: you don’t have to hit that number to be considered “impaired.”
If an officer believes alcohol has affected your ability to drive—even slightly—you can still be arrested and charged with OWI (Operating While Intoxicated). For commercial drivers or anyone under 21, the legal thresholds are even lower: 0.04% and 0.02%, respectively.
How Much Alcohol Is “Just One Drink”?
A “standard drink” in the U.S. usually means:
- 12 ounces of beer
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of hard liquor
Not all drinks are created equal. A heavy pour, a strong cocktail, or a craft beer with a higher alcohol content can hit you harder than expected. Your BAC will also depend on factors like your weight, how quickly you drank, and whether you had food in your stomach.
Two people can drink the same thing and have totally different reactions and BAC levels.
Can One Drink Make You Unsafe to Drive?
Even a BAC as low as 0.02%—well under the legal limit—can start to affect your vision, judgment, and ability to multitask. Those are all things you need to drive safely.
At around 0.05%, which still isn’t considered legally drunk, you may already have slower reaction times and difficulty steering. That’s a problem if you need to make a split-second decision behind the wheel.
The “One Drink Per Hour” Rule Isn’t Foolproof
You’ve probably heard people say, “Just stick to one drink per hour, and you’ll be fine.” Unfortunately, that’s more of a myth than a rule.
Alcohol is processed at different rates depending on your body and the type of drink. Some cocktails pack more than one standard drink into a single glass. So, while you might feel fine, your BAC could still be creeping up, and so is your risk of getting pulled over or worse.
What Happens if You’re Charged With OWI?
The consequences of an OWI in Louisiana are not a joke—even if it’s your first time. You could be looking at:
- Jail time (even just for a first offense)
- A suspended driver’s license
- Fines and court fees
- An ignition interlock device on your car
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
If someone is hurt in an accident where you’ve been drinking, the stakes get a lot higher.
Is It Worth the Risk to Drive After One Drink?
Perhaps. However, whether you should is another matter entirely.
If you’re second-guessing yourself—even a little—it’s probably best not to risk it. Grab a rideshare, call a friend, or wait it out. Getting an Uber is cheaper than facing a fine for driving under the influence—and much safer.
If you were hurt in an accident where alcohol was involved, you have rights. You may be able to hold the other driver accountable and recover damages.
Contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer
If a drunk or impaired driver caused your accident, don’t wait to get help. At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating these crashes can be. We’ll stand by your side, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Your initial consultation is complimentary, and you won’t owe us anything unless we successfully resolve your case. Call today to arrange a free consultation with a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer.
For more information, please contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Baton Rouge, LA today. We have three convenient locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Metairie and Lafayette.
We proudly serve East Baton Rouge Parish, Lafayette Parish, Orleans Parish, and its surrounding areas:
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Baton Rouge Office
404 Europe Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70124
(225) 263-4787
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – New Orleans Office
365 Canal Street Suite 415
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130
(504) 294-3804
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Lafayette Office
1318 Camellia Boulevard Suite 206
Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508
(337) 473-2991
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Metairie Office
111 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Suite 255
Metairie, Louisiana, 70005
(888) 601-0127