What is the difference between a DUI and a BAC?

A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, is a criminal charge in Pennsylvania that applies to anyone operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two. A BAC, or Blood Alcohol Concentration, is a measure of how much alcohol is in a person’s blood. In Pennsylvania, the legal limit for Blood Alcohol Concentration is .08%. A DUI charge may result from a routine traffic stop if an officer smells alcohol on a driver or observes other signs of intoxication. A driver may also be required to submit to a chemical test, such as a blood or breathalyzer test, to measure the Blood Alcohol Concentration. If a driver’s BAC is over .08%, they will be charged with a DUI. It is important to note that a person may be charged with a DUI even if their BAC is below .08%. For instance, if a driver is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both, even if their BAC is below .08%, they can still be found guilty of a DUI. Furthermore, a person may also be charged with DUI if their BAC is above .08%, even if they are not impaired or demonstrating any signs of intoxication. In summary, a DUI is a criminal charge and a BAC is a measure of the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood. A DUI will be charged if a person’s BAC is over .08%, but they can also be charged with a DUI if their BAC is below .08% if they are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both.

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