Effects Following the Implementation of an 0.08 BAC Limit and an Administrative Per Se Law in California

摘要

On January 1, 1990 California lowered the allowable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at which it is illegal to drive from 0.10 to 0.08. On July 1, 1990 California also implemented an Administrative Per Se (also known as Administrative License Revocation) law. The study examined the effects on the organizations which deal with drinking and driving behavior; driver awareness; DUI arrests and alcohol-related crashes and fatalities subsequent to January 1, 1990. An operational evaluation indicated little negative effect of the 0.08 law on police departments, the court system, and other organizations that deal with drinking and driving behavior. Results of a survey showed that most people are aware of the reduction in the BAC limit and almost half know the provisions of the Administrative Per Se law. There was no significant change in the number of alcohol-related fatalities following the implementation date of the Administrative Per Se law. However, it is possible that effects of the Administrative Per Se law may have taken place earlier than the actual implementation date.