What blood alcohol concentration level is legally considered intoxicated while riding?

In Iowa, and many other states, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% is the legal threshold at which a person is considered intoxicated when operating a motorcycle or a motor vehicle. This means that if a rider’s BAC is at or above this level, they can be charged with operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), regardless of whether their driving skills are impaired.

The reason this specific level is set is that it has been determined through research and studies that a BAC of 0.08% corresponds to impairment in a person’s ability to safely operate a motorcycle, including reduced coordination, slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased focus on the road.

While other BAC levels presented in the choices indicate levels of alcohol consumption, they do not meet the legal standard for intoxication that is enforced for motorcyclists. Therefore, a BAC level below this threshold may still indicate some level of alcohol consumption but is not legally defined as impaired for the purposes of riding.