SB 129 - This act makes it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or greater. Under current law, a person is guilty of driving with excessive BAC if the BAC is .10% or greater. As of 1996, thirteen states had passed legislation making it illegal to drive with a BAC of .08% or greater. An individual may also be charged with driving while intoxicated - this does not require the person to register a specific BAC level to be prosecuted.

This act allows for both administrative revocation and criminal penalties if a person is stopped for driving with excessive BAC. It is a Class C misdemeanor to drive with an excessive blood alcohol content. A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by up to fifteen days in jail.

JAMES KLAHR