Can a person be charged with a DUI even if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit?

Yes, it is possible for a person to be charged with a DUI even if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit in Vermont. Under Vermont law, an individual can be charged with DUI if the driver was operating a vehicle in a negligent or dangerous manner due to the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even if the BAC is below the legal limit, if the police officer believes the person was impaired due to alcohol consumption, they can be charged. Additionally, an individual can be charged with a DUI if they are an underage driver and have any alcohol in their system. The legal limit for drivers under 21 in Vermont is .02, which is much lower than the legal limit for drivers over 21 of .08. Any alcohol in the system of a driver under 21 is a violation of the law, whether or not it causes impairment. Finally, an individual can be charged with a DUI even if their BAC is below the legal limit if they refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test. In Vermont, all drivers are subject to implied consent laws, which means that they automatically consent to a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test if requested by law enforcement. Refusing to take the test can provoke a DUI charge, even if the BAC is below the legal limit.

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