Drink-driving limits in West Virginia (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: The general alcohol limit is set in state law and is shown where verified.

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: an alcohol concentration of 0.02% or more but less than 0.08% is a misdemeanour (first offence: fine of $25 to $100 and licence suspension). ^[2]
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol	⚠ Not yet verified
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol	Commercial motor vehicle: 0.04% or more is a misdemeanour (24 hours to 6 months in jail, fine of $100 to $500); any measurable alcohol means 24 hours out of service. ^[3]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol	Impaired driving (basic offence): up to 6 months in jail and a fine of $100 to $500, plus a licence revocation of 6 months (or participation in the test and lock programme). ^[4]

Notes

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
West Virginia	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% commercial	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 6 months; $100-$500 fine
Kentucky	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	Any alcohol; 0.04% = DUI	Yes, traffic safety checkpoints	Up to 30 days; $200-$500 fine
Maryland	0.08%	Any alcohol (under 21)	Any alcohol (commercial); 0.04% disqualifies	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 1 yr jail / $1,200 (1st)
Ohio	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicles)	⚠ Not yet verified	Fine $375-$1,075, min. 3 days jail
Pennsylvania	0.08%	0.02% (minors)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	First: misdemeanour, $300 fine
Virginia	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	Class 1 misdemeanour; fine min. $250

CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (level one permit)
E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes · Minimum age to buy: 18
Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Allowed; 18+ for concealed · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade/gravity: 18+ may carry concealed
Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $8.75 per hour
Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only passengers under 18
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+ (purchase, consume, possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess)

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