This document summarizes laws related to alcohol consumption and driving under the influence. It provides information on drink equivalents and how factors like gender, food, and drinking speed impact blood alcohol concentration. For driving, it outlines four methods police use to determine intoxication and penalties for DUI/DWI that become more severe for higher BAC levels or repeat offenses. Laws for public intoxication, open containers, underage drinking, and allowing minors to drink are also detailed.

1. And the Law

2. • 12oz of Beer = 5oz of Wine = 1.5oz Liquor
• 1 drink of Beer = 5% alcohol
• 1 drink of Wine = 12% alcohol
• 1 drink of Liquor = 40% alcohol

3. • If more than ONE alcoholic drink is
consumed per hour, then the amount of
alcohol in the bloodstream becomes
ELEVATED.
• The alcohol in the bloodstream is known
as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).
• BAC measures are useful for detailing the
effects of alcohol consumption.
• Who might use BAC levels? And why?

4. • How much alcohol has been consumed
• Size and weight
• Gender
• Metabolic rate
• General fitness
• Emotional state
• Speed of drinking
• Food in the body

5. • Police use FOUR methods to determine if someone
is driving under the influence
– Signs of intoxication
– Incriminating statements
– Field sobriety tests
– Chemical test (breathalyzer, blood test, ignition
interlock)
• Right to refuse a field sobriety test, but must comply
to take a breathalyzer test
• BAC can be detected by a breath test, urine test, or
blood test

6. • DUI = Driving Under the Influence
• DWI- Driving While Intoxicated
• 1st Offense in PA:
– Possible jail time
– $600+ fine (depending on BAC level) and court fees
– License suspension for up to 1 year
– BAC: Under 21 = .02%, 21 and older = .08%
– If you refuse to take a chemical test (breathalyzer), you lose
your license for a year and pay a fine
• Higher BAC, greater penalties
• Higher number of offenses, greater penalties

7. • Must be visibly disruptive or harmful
• First offense in PA:
– Up to $300 fine
– Up to 90 days in jail
• Open Container violation- Having an
open container of alcohol in public

8. • Buy, drink, possess, or transport alcohol
– Up to $300 fine
– Up to 90 days in jail
– Goes on criminal record
– Lose driver's license for 90 days
• Parents who allow minors to drink in their
home
- Minimum $1000 fine
- Up to a year in prison
• Minor CANNOT be convicted if calling 911 for
someone else’s medical needs