Even low levels of drinking can be harmful. (Getty Images)
Efforts to lower the legal limit for driving drunk in Washington are revving up as deadly crashes involving alcohol-impaired motorists rose again in the state in 2023.
Legislation to reduce the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration for drivers from 0.08% to 0.05% is under consideration in the House and Senate. If enacted, Washington would join Utah with the toughest standard in the nation.
Backers argue that the lower threshold will lead to fewer deaths as individuals change their behavior before getting behind the wheel.
Opponents worry it will increase the risk of liability on alcohol servers and drive down customers of bars, wineries and other hospitality businesses. Some lawmakers worry a lower threshold could result in people of color being stopped more often by cops.
“We have people dying on our roadways every single day. They’re being seriously injured every single day. Many of those injuries and deaths are directly related to alcohol or other intoxication while driving,” Rep. Brandy Donaghy , D-Snohomish County, told a House panel last week during a hearing on House Bill 2196 , which would foment the lowering.