As the holiday season approaches, it’s worth remembering that even one drink can be too many when you’re behind the wheel. Across New Hampshire, law enforcement increases patrols this time of year to deter and detect impaired driving.

Under New Hampshire law, a conviction for driving under the influence doesn’t require proof that a driver was “drunk.” The State must only show that the person was operating a vehicle, on a public way, and impaired to any degree. For drivers 21 and older, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered evidence of impairment; for those under 21, the limit is 0.02%.

Aggravated charges apply if a driver’s BAC reaches 0.16% or higher or if certain dangerous behaviors are present, such as speeding 30 miles or more over the limit, causing serious injury, eluding police, or having a passenger under age 16. Penalties include fines, mandatory license suspension, required alcohol or drug counseling, and in some cases, jail time. Refusing a blood or breath test can also trigger an automatic license suspension of at least six months.

If you are stopped by police, remain calm, respectful, and cooperative. You have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney before answering questions or taking tests.
The best strategy, of course, is prevention. Before celebrating, designate a sober driver, plan for a rideshare or taxi, or arrange to stay overnight. If you see someone driving impaired, call 911 once it’s safe to do so.

Every holiday season, impaired driving takes lives that could have been saved by one simple decision: don’t drive if you’ve been drinking. Let’s all do our part to make New Hampshire’s roads safer this winter.

The attorneys at Wescott Law bring decades of experience defending clients charged with DWI across New Hampshire. Our team provides skilled, strategic representation aimed at protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome based on the facts of your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation.