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How long should I wait to drive if I’ve been drinking?
My buddies and I are going out this weekend and it’s my turn to DD. It’s been a rough week, and I’d like to have a few drinks if I can do so safely. If I have a drink or two, how long should I wait to drive?
Pat Roache · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sorry you had a rough week, but it sounds like you want to take good care and caution to prepare for your night out. The standard rule of thumb for waiting out the effects of alcohol is one hour after your last drink for every drink you consumed. Let’s break that down:
# of Drinks | Wait time for the effects of alcohol to wear off |
|---|---|
One | One hour |
Two | Two hours after your last drink |
Three | Three hours after your last drink |
Four | Four hours after your last drink |
And so on…
You can use this rule for driving after drinking, but if you know you have to drive, the safest choice is always to avoid drinking altogether. The one-for-one waiting rule won’t save you from the law.
Driver’s can be charged with a DUI
for suspicion of drinking, erratic driving, or failing a field test, regardless of a breathalyzer test.Now that you’ve taken some time to make informed choices about drinking and driving, take one minute to make an informed choice about your
car insurance policy
. Jerry
is an insurance comparison app that shops for low prices with over 50 different insurance companies. You will get quotes in seconds, can make changes at any time, and if you ever have any questions, agents are just a text away!View full answer
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