Drink-driving limits in Georgia (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The state sets a limit of 0.08% blood alcohol for ordinary drivers. Drivers under 21 face a limit of 0.02%, and commercial drivers 0.04%. Sobriety checkpoints are permitted, and a first offence can bring up to a year in jail.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Under 21: a per se alcohol concentration of 0.02 grams or more applies to a driver under 21, regardless of vehicle. [1] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Driving a commercial motor vehicle: a per se alcohol concentration of 0.04 grams or more applies (the Department of Driver Services lists .04 for a driver over 21 operating a CMV). [1] |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | Yes [2] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | First offence: possible jail time up to one year, a fine of $300 minimum up to $1,000, licence suspension of up to one year, and a minimum of 40 hours of community service. [3] |
Sources
- Georgia Department of Driver Services: Traffic Court Reference Manual 2021-2022 (v3) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: Thunder Task Force (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: Impaired Driving Laws (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Georgia and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% in a commercial vehicle | Yes, sobriety roadchecks | Up to 1 year jail, $300-1,000 fine |
| Alabama | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% commercial | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 1 year; $600-$2,100 fine |
| Florida | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | Any alcohol (commercial) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 6 months; $500-$1,000 fine |
| North Carolina | 0.08% | Zero (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicles) | Checkpoints authorised (set pattern) | Up to $10,000 and 36 months (aggravated) |
| South Carolina | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1st: $400 or 48 h-30 days |
More rules in Georgia
- Cannabis
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (all other areas)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class D provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (Class CP learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: 15
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (licensed sellers, 18+) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Blade of 12 in or less: not a 'knife' · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $5.15 per hour (state; federal $7.25)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Minors 8 and older only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.