Illinois lawmakers are debating a significant change to the state’s DUI laws that could make Illinois one of the strictest states in the nation when it comes to impaired driving.
House Bill 4333 proposes lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05. Currently, Utah is the only state enforcing a 0.05 standard. Supporters of the bill note that research shows some drivers can reach the 0.05 BAC level after just one or two alcoholic drinks, arguing that the change could help reduce traffic fatalities.
The bill has been assigned to a House committee, though a hearing date has not yet been set.
Frank Harris, director of State Government Affairs for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), says the move is overdue. “Drunk driving deaths have decreased since last year, but since 2019—since the pandemic—drunk driving deaths in our country are up 22%, and in Illinois they are actually up 28%,” Harris said.
MADD, which advocates for the elimination of drunk driving nationwide, believes House Bill 4333 could be a lifesaving measure for Illinois drivers.
If approved, Illinois would join Utah in adopting the country’s strictest legal limit for blood alcohol concentration.