what is the legal limit for alcohol in wisconsin
For most adult drivers in Wisconsin the prohibited alcohol concentration for a first offense is 0.08 or greater, according to the Wisconsin DMV. It is 0.04 for commercial vehicle drivers, 0.02 for drivers with three or more prior OWI convictions, and any amount is illegal under age 21.
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We use your email only for this download.The limits by driver type
| Driver | Limit (BAC) |
|---|---|
| First offense, most adult drivers | 0.08 or greater |
| Operating a commercial vehicle | 0.04 or greater |
| Three or more prior OWI convictions | Above 0.02 |
| Under 21 | Any amount is illegal |
What the numbers mean
These figures are blood or breath alcohol concentration, not a number of drinks. How fast your BAC rises depends on your body, food, and the time between drinks, so no drink count is a safe guide.
The state calls the threshold the Prohibited Alcohol Concentration (PAC). Wisconsin charges the offense as OWI, short for operating while intoxicated.
Important caveats
Being under the numbers above does not make driving safe or guarantee you cannot be charged. We did not find a page that explains every case, so read the DMV page or ask a Wisconsin lawyer about your situation.
Laws change. Check the Wisconsin DMV page before relying on this. To count drinks, see our standard drink calculator, and for other states see laws and travel.
People also ask
What is the legal limit for alcohol in Wisconsin?
For a first offense the Prohibited Alcohol Concentration is 0.08 or greater, per the Wisconsin DMV.
What is the limit for commercial drivers in Wisconsin?
The DMV lists 0.04 for those operating a commercial vehicle at the time of the stop.
Can drivers under 21 drink any alcohol before driving in Wisconsin?
No. The DMV says driving with any amount of alcohol in the system is illegal under age 21.
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