What is the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level for drivers under the legal drinking age?

The maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level for drivers under the legal drinking age is 0.02%. This very low threshold is put in place to discourage underage drinking and ensure the safety of all road users. States, including Iowa, implement zero-tolerance laws for underage drivers, meaning that any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to penalties, driving suspensions, and legal consequences.

In contrast, the other BAC levels provided apply to adult drivers, where a BAC of 0.08% is the legal limit for those 21 and older. Therefore, for those under the legal drinking age, the stringent limit of 0.02% reflects a commitment to preventing underage drinking and promoting safer driving behaviors among younger individuals.