New Hampshire · Handbook chapter 4 · 3 min read

Chapter 4: Alcohol, other drugs and driving

How alcohol and other drugs affect a driver, New Hampshire's BAC limits for adults and drivers under 21, the under-21 transport rule, penalties for a first impaired-driving offense and medicines that impair.

Why this chapter matters

Alcohol and other impairing drugs play a part in about 40% of fatal crashes. Every knowledge test asks about BAC limits, what sobers you up and the penalties.

How alcohol affects you

Alcohol and impairing drugs reduce three things a driver needs:

• Judgment: clear, quick decisions get harder.
• Vision: blurred or double vision, slower focus and worse judgment of distance and speed. Vision is affected from a BAC of .02 for every driver.
• Reaction time: you take longer to take in information and respond.

Impairment starts with the first drink. Each ounce of alcohol takes about an hour to leave the body, and only time sobers you up. Coffee, food, fresh air, exercise and cold showers may make you feel more alert but do not remove alcohol. Never let a friend drive after drinking or taking impairing drugs.

The legal limits

Drivers under 21 also may not drive while impaired by any drug, legal or not. They may not carry alcohol anywhere in the vehicle unless a parent, legal guardian or legal-age spouse is with them.

Penalties for a first offense

A first conviction for impaired driving or driving with an excess alcohol concentration is a Class B misdemeanor with:

• a fine of at least $500;
• loss of driving privileges for 9 months to 2 years;
• an approved impaired driver education program before your license is restored.

Later offenses bring bigger fines, longer suspensions and stronger penalties. A conviction also means you must show proof of insurance (an SR-22) to get your privileges back.

Implied consent

Driving in New Hampshire counts as agreeing to a blood, breath or urine test if you are arrested for an alcohol or drug offense. Refusing can mean losing your license.

Other drugs

• Over-the-counter medicine for colds, headaches, hay fever or allergies, or to calm nerves, can make you drowsy. Pep pills and diet pills can make you nervous, dizzy and unable to focus.
• Prescription drugs such as antidepressants, pain relievers, sleep aids and sedatives can affect reflexes, judgment, vision and alertness much as alcohol does.
• Illegal drugs do the same; drugged driving is illegal.
• Read the label, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if unsure.
• Never mix alcohol with other drugs: the effects can multiply.