Heading Out Of Town For Celebrations This Summer? What You Need To Know About Duis And Out-Of-State Driving

9 March 2018 by Jonathan Phillips

June will soon be here. Time for the graduation and wedding season to begin. If you're going to be traveling to celebrate graduations, weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, you need to be prepared. This is particularly true if the celebrations are going to involve alcohol. You can get in serious trouble if you're pulled over for a DUI while driving in another state. Before you take off for your celebrations, here are some things you should know.

The Blood Alcohol Limits are Differently

You may know what the blood alcohol laws are in your state, but that doesn't mean they're going to be the same in the state that you're visiting this summer. In fact, most states have different blood alcohol laws. For instance, Utah recently lowered their BAC – blood alcohol count – to 0.05. If you're used to driving in a state with a 0.08 BAC, you may be in trouble if you drink the same amount in Utah. Avoid being pulled over for a DUI by knowing the BAC for the state you'll be visiting.

Elevation Could Change the Way Alcohol Affects You

If you're going to be drinking at any of the celebrations, and you plan on driving afterwards, it's important that you take the elevation into consideration. You might not know this, but elevation can affect how your body reacts to alcohol. A couple of beers and a glass of wine might not do anything to you when you're at home, but the same alcohol consumption in Colorado, could severely impair your driving ability. Go slow with the drinking to start so you can see how to elevation affects your intoxication levels.

You'll Need to Hire a DUI Attorney

If you're arrested and charged with a DUI while driving in another state, you're going to need an attorney. The laws regarding DUI are different in each state, and you're going to need an attorney to help you understand those differences. You'll also need your attorney to help expedite the case so that you can get back home as quickly as possible.

You Can Still Lose Your License and Your Car

If you get convicted of a DUI while driving in another state, you still lose your license and your car. Not only that, but you could find yourself being punished in both states. First, if you're driving your own car when you're arrested, it will be impounded. Second, once you're convicted you could lose your privilege to drive in the state you were arrested in. Finally, once your home state is notified – which it will be – they may choose to enforce their own penalties and fines. To avoid a DUI, always designate a sober driver. For more information, contact a local DUI lawyer.

Share

Search