Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a serious offense that can have severe consequences for both the driver and the public. In the United States, each state has its own set of laws that pertain to DUID. Some states have zero-tolerance policies for any amount of drugs in a driver’s system, while others have specific thresholds for certain substances.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the driving substance laws of eight states and explore how they differ. Read on;

Overview: Zero-tolerance States

Zero-tolerance policy is a law prohibiting any amount of drugs in a driver’s system while operating a vehicle. Violating this law may result in strict penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. Here are eight states with zero-tolerance policies:

• Arizona
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Michigan
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Utah

In these states, drivers are prohibited from having any trace of drugs in their system while driving. This includes both illegal drugs and prescription medications. If a driver is found to have any amount of drugs in their system, they can face severe consequences, such as fines, jail time, and license suspension.

The consequences for violating the zero-tolerance policy vary by state, but most states impose harsh penalties for DUI. For example, in Pennsylvania, a first-time offender can have their license suspended for a year and face a fine of up to $5,000. In Arizona, a driver convicted of DUI can face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and mandatory drug treatment.

Drivers need to understand the laws in their respective states to avoid any legal consequences. When driving across states, you must be aware of each region’s DUI laws. Know the contents of each product by reading the label to be sure you are on the right side of the law. For instance, you can find a sample pack of Delta 8 gummies here and read the labels’ specifications before buying.

Per Se States

Per se, law is a statute that sets a specific threshold for the amount of drugs or alcohol in a driver’s system while operating a vehicle. If drivers exceed this limit, they are considered impaired and can face legal consequences. Here are some examples of states with per se laws:

• Colorado
• California
• Montana
• Oregon
• Washington

These states have set specific limits for the amount of drugs or alcohol in a driver’s system. For example, in Colorado, the legal limit for THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, is 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood. In Montana, the legal limit for THC is 5 ng/mL, while in Oregon, it’s 1 ng/mL.

Consequences for violating per se laws vary by state, but most states impose fines, license suspension, and possible imprisonment. For example, in Colorado, a first-time offender with a blood THC level above 5 nanograms per milliliter faces a minimum fine of $600, up to one year in jail, and possible license suspension for up to nine months.

In Oregon, a first-time offender with a blood THC level above 1 nanogram per milliliter faces a minimum fine of $1,000 and a one-year license suspension.

Drivers need to understand the laws in their respective states and the specific thresholds for each substance to avoid legal consequences.

Combination States

Combination law is a statute that prohibits driving under the influence of any drug, whether legal or illegal, that impairs a person’s ability to drive safely. In combination states, drivers can be arrested for having any amount of drugs in their system while operating a vehicle if they are found to be impaired. Here are some examples of states with combination laws:

• Florida
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

In these states, drivers are prohibited from driving under the influence of any drug that impairs their ability to drive safely, whether illegal or prescription medication. The consequences for violating the combination law vary by state and depend on factors such as the type of substance used and the driver’s record.

The thresholds for certain substances in combination states can vary, but generally, no specific limit is set for the number of drugs in a driver’s system. Instead, law enforcement officers rely on field sobriety and blood or urine tests to determine whether a driver is impaired.

Consequences for violating the combination law vary by state, but most states impose fines, license suspension, and possible imprisonment. For example, in Florida, a first-time offender can face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. In Ohio, a first-time offender can face a minimum fine of $375 and a one-year license suspension.

Drivers need to understand the laws in their respective states and the consequences of driving under the influence of any substance. Knowing the potential penalties can help drivers make smart decisions and avoid legal consequences.

Comparison of State Laws

• The driving substance laws across different states can vary significantly regarding their approach and consequences. Here are some ways in which the laws differ from one another:
• Different states have different definitions of impairment, making it challenging to have a unified approach nationally.
• Zero-tolerance states criminalize any presence of a drug in a driver’s system, while per se, states set specific thresholds for drugs such as THC. Combination states rely on field sobriety and chemical tests to determine whether a person is impaired.
• The penalties for violating these laws can range from fines and license suspensions to possible imprisonment.
• Some states conduct more drug-related screenings and chemical tests than others, which could affect how frequently they catch offenders.
• Some states may have better public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the dangers of DUID and the legal consequences.

Conclusion

Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a serious offense that can have severe consequences for the driver and the public. Each state in the United States has its own set of laws pertaining to DUID, with some having zero-tolerance policies, per se laws, or combination laws.

DUID is a serious issue on American roads, and it is essential to continue raising awareness about its dangers. Despite the differences in laws across states, the ultimate goal is to reduce the number of DUI cases and ensure safer roads for everyone.