The drunk driving laws will differ depending on which state of the US you are living in. The laws will also vary according to whether you are driving under influence, driving when you are already intoxicated or when you are operating the vehicle when drunk.
California laws
Not just in California, but in all 50 states in the US, there exists a zero tolerance DUI policy towards drunk persons aged less than 21 years of age and driving a vehicle. So even if such a person has a 0 or a negligible 0.01 percent of BAC level in their blood, if the police officer suspects the smell of alcohol then such a person will be penalized as per law. For higher levels of BAC such as 0.08 or 0.16 chemical alcohol testing procedures are carried out. The penalties can be enhanced according to the relative BAC concentration in the person's blood. If a person has higher BAC and is driving with kids the fine imposed will be higher because he is threatening the life of the children as well.
License of the person can be suspended from anywhere between 4 months to even 4 years depending on whether it is a first time or third time offence under DUI. If the person is a second time offender he or she may require to serve jail time. In addition, the person will be required to undergo alcohol education, treatment and assessment as well as have ignition interlock mechanism installed.
Kentucky laws
In Kentucky drunken driving results in suspension of license. For a first time offender having more than 0.08 levels of BAC the license is suspended for 30 days while for a repeat offender it is for a year. If the person is offending under DUI for the third time then the license suspension extends to 2 years, during which a hardship license maybe obtained with limited privileges. If the person has offended and found positive in a breath analyzer test for the third time then he or she needs to serve jail time. He or she will also require to undergo alcohol education, assessment and treatment and installation of an ignition interlock mechanism. The vehicle may also be impounded irrespective of whether the person is a first time or a repeat offender.
Florida laws
In Florida if BAC levels are found to be 0.08 or higher then the person can have his or her license suspended. The suspension of license because of a positive alcohol test can extend between 6 months to 2 years depending on whether it is a first offence or third time offence. In lieu of a suspended license, the person can receive a hardship license that allows limited privileges while driving. Jail time is mandatory after a second time offence. The vehicle can be impounded irrespective of whether it is a first time or third time DUI offence. There are also open container laws applicable in the state of Florida, whereby is prohibited from drinking in public places from open containers.
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