BAL Law News

June 4, 2003

"Federal government gives states until October 1, 2003 to lower BAL"

Federal DUI bills lowering the legal blood alcohol limit from 0.10% to 0.08% is working its way through the General Assembly. The House and Senate have passed the bill but with different versions and must go to a conference committee.

The federal government has given states until October 1, 2003 to lower their limits to 0.08% or will begin withholding millions in highway construction money. To date, 35 states have lowered the DUI limit. DUI attorneys are pushing changes in the DUI bill that would force law enforcement to follow arrest and alcohol testing procedures.