OLYMPIA, Wash. – State lawmakers in Olympia are currently reviewing several new bills during the legislative session, one of which could lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers.
The proposed legislation is still in committee. It aims to reduce the BAC legal limit from 0.08 to 0.05.
Some argued that the proposed change may not be effective in reducing drunk driving-related crashes or fatalities.
“According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, less than half a percent of fatalities involve drivers in the 0.05 to the 0.08 range,” Sean Dewitz with the Washington Hospitality Association said in a public hearing. “[This bill] will not stop repeat offenders, or high BAC drivers.”
Currently, Utah is the only state with a legal BAC limit of 0.05, having enacted the change in 2018.
Washington state lawmakers are scheduled to discuss this bill on Thursday.
