Bill > SB1643

This bill lowers the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) threshold for driving under the influence from 0.08 to 0.05 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath in Hawaii. The legislation modifies several sections of Hawaii's Revised Statutes to update definitions and legal standards related to intoxicated driving. Specifically, the bill changes the definition of "measurable amount of alcohol" and "under the influence" to reflect the new 0.05 BAC standard, adjusts presumptions about alcohol impairment, and updates provisions for administrative license revocation and criminal prosecutions for impaired driving. The bill maintains existing provisions about impairment due to drugs and mental capacity, but significantly lowers the threshold for alcohol-related driving offenses. The changes will make it easier to prosecute drivers with lower levels of alcohol in their system, potentially improving road safety by creating stricter standards for determining when a driver is legally considered too impaired to operate a vehicle. The bill will take effect upon approval, with a specific provision ensuring the amendments are not automatically repealed in future legislative sessions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1643&year=2026