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When you think of a DUI, you probably think of driving under the influence of alcohol. However, in Georgia, driving under the influence (DUI) laws apply to alcohol and drugs, including marijuana.
While law enforcement can stop you and arrest you for either crime, there are some differences between driving drunk (under the influence of alcohol) and “high” (under the influence of drugs.)
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
In Georgia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level cannot reach or exceed 0.08%. If your BAC is 0.08%, the state can charge you with a DUI. For drivers under 21, the legal limit is lowered to 0.02%.
Driving “High” on Drugs
When driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana, Georgia has a zero-tolerance policy. This means that any drugs in your system can get you in trouble with the law, and you can be arrested if the police pull you over and you have drugs in your system.
Testing
Law enforcement typically uses breathalyzer tests to measure alcohol levels in a driver’s breath. For drug related DUIs, officers can use other methods to detect the presence of drugs, including urine or blood tests.
Consequences
The consequences for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Georgia can include fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI education, community service, probation and even jail time. The specific penalties depend on each case, including whether it is a first or subsequent offense, BAC levels and whether aggravating factors are present.
Georgia Implied Consent Laws
In Georgia, a person who chooses to operate a motor vehicle on public roads automatically consents to undergo chemical tests, such as breath, blood or urine tests, if arrested for a DUI. Refusing to submit to these tests can result in an immediate license suspension and other penalties.
It is critical to remember that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs are both dangerous and illegal. Whichever substance it is, impaired driving puts your life and the lives of others at risk.
It is always best to have a designated driver if you know you will consume alcohol, and to avoid using any type of drugs when operating a motor vehicle.