Drink-driving limits in Massachusetts (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: Massachusetts sets its own drink-driving rules. Fields not shown are not yet verified.

Rule	What applies
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol	⚠ Not yet verified
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.08 % blood alcohol ^[1]
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol	If a driver under 21 is arrested for operating under the influence and the blood alcohol concentration is 0.02% or more, the arresting officer must suspend the driver's licence or permit. ^[1]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol	A person may not drive, operate or be in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle while having alcohol in the system; a driver doing so is placed out of service for 24 hours. ^[2]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol	First offence of operating under the influence: a fine of $500 to $5,000, or imprisonment for up to two and a half years, or both. ^[1]

Sources

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))

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
Massachusetts	0.08%	0.02% = licence suspension (under 21)	Zero (commercial vehicles)	⚠ Not yet verified	Fine $500-$5,000 or up to 2.5 years
Connecticut	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial)	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to USD 8,000, 3 years (3rd+)
New Hampshire	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04%; none in CMV (any alcohol)	⚠ Not yet verified	Felony on 4th offence; min. USD 500 fine
New York	0.08%	0.02% under 21	0.04% in a commercial vehicle	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 1 year jail, $500-1,000 fine

CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 6 plants
Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 40 mph (prima facie)
Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16½ (junior operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner's permit)
E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1 and 2 (bicycle)
FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers included)
Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named unless locking or spring-release · Locking or one-handed knives: Locking-draw devices banned; switchblade ban void
Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
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: Yes
Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (sales to under 21 banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (sales to under 21 banned)

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.