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How long do you have to wait per unit of alcohol before driving?

I’m driving to my friend’s wedding next weekend and planning on having a couple of drinks. I don’t want to get into an accident—or get a DUI for that matter. How long do I have to wait before driving?

Melanie Johnson · Updated on Mar 8, 2022

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Congratulations to your friend! It’s smart to think ahead. Various factors affect how fast your body metabolizes alcohol—but in general, you should wait one hour per one unit of alcohol before driving.

Keep in mind that some beverages contain more alcohol than others. Here’s a rough guide for how long to wait after indulging:

Small shot of liquor: one hour

Pint of beer: two hours

Large glass of wine: three hours

Of course, the best way to make sure you’re fit to drive is not to avoid drinking at all! Another option is to consider using a

rideshare service

.

Staying safe on the road also means having the right

policy. If you’re looking to swap,

can provide you with competitive quotes in under a minute.

Jerry takes care of all the paperwork and can even assist you in canceling your old policy.

MORE:

What is a DUI? (DUI vs. DWI)

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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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