Can you drink and drive in Indiana?

Asked by: Prof. Tania Willms  |  Last update: October 16, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (22 votes)

In Indiana, as in the rest of the nation, if you have a BAC of 0.08%, you are not permitted to drive. While the legal limit is set at 0.08%, it's important for drivers to understand that alcohol affects your ability to drive even if you're under the limit.

How much can you drink and drive in Indiana?

In Indiana, the legal alcohol limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) for most drivers is 0.08%. If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you are legally impaired and can be charged with DUI.

Can a passenger drink in a car in Indiana?

Indiana Open Container Laws

In Indiana, you cannot possess an open bottle of alcohol in the passenger area of the car. Therefore, you cannot drink alcohol as a passenger in a car because this inherently means you have an open container.

Is Indiana a zero tolerance state?

Indiana operates under a "zero tolerance" policy, which means drivers under the age of 21years old have a different legal BAC limit than the standard . 08%. Minors can face charges for having a BAC of just . 02%.

When did it become illegal to drink and drive in Indiana?

1939: Indiana becomes the first state to enact a drunk driving law based on blood-alcohol levels. 1967: Indiana reduces the legal blood-alcohol level to 0.10% and requires blood-alcohol tests. 1989: Courts are allowed to order ignition interlock devices on vehicles of persons with drunk driving convictions.

People React To DUI Laws(1980s News Report)

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What are the alcohol laws in Indiana?

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When did the last state make drinking and driving illegal?

Most people are surprised to learn that on September 10, 1910, New York was the first state to pass drunk driving laws. California soon followed with its own laws. However, these early laws merely made it illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol.

Is Indiana a no knock state?

Rights of Individuals during a Search Warrant Execution

First, in most situations, they have the right to be informed of the execution of a search warrant. This is because officers are required to knock and announce their presence before entry, unless circumstances justify a “no-knock” warrant.

Can you drink on the sidewalk in Indiana?

There is no explicit open container law in Indiana; which means, generally, that individuals are permitted to carry alcoholic drinks in public and on sidewalks.

Is Indiana a blue state?

Indiana is one of fifty U.S. states. The state is considered a stronghold for the Republican Party and is rated R+11 on the Cook Partisan Voting Index. The state has supported the Republican candidate in every presidential election since 1968, with the exception of 2008.

Can you drink in an Uber in Indiana?

Exceptions to the Indiana Open Container Law

For example, it is not against the law to have an open container in a transport vehicle, such as an Uber, Lyft, or taxi. Having an open container of alcohol in the living quarters of a recreational vehicle is also permitted.

Is it illegal to drink in the backseat of a car?

According to California Vehicle Code 23222, California prohibits the possession of an open alcoholic container in vehicles regardless whether you are a driver or a passenger.

Can you drink alcohol on a boat in Indiana?

Often, as part of these fun times we have in our boats and other personal water crafts, there is also food and drink involved, including drinks of the alcoholic kind. While legal and responsible drinking is allowed, BWI — boating while intoxicated — is not.

Can you eat and drive in Indiana?

There's no law that says you can't eat while driving in this state.

Is .15 alcohol level high?

0.13 – 0.15% – At this point, your blood alcohol level is quite high. You'll be affected by blurred vision, loss of coordination and balance, and potentially dysphoria (anxiety or restlessness). 0.16 – 0.19% – The term “sloppy drunk” applies. Dysphoria will become stronger, and nausea may occur.

What's the difference between an OWI and a DUI?

DUI is classified for underage drivers with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) under . 08. OWI refers to anyone over 21-years-old operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of either alcohol and/or drugs.

Can passengers drink alcohol in a car in Indiana?

In Indiana, it's completely illegal to have an open alcoholic beverage inside a moving vehicle. This applies if the beverage is open, if it has a broken seal, or if some of the beverage's contents have already been removed from the container.

What is the happy hour law in Indiana?

Under the new law, bars can offer specials four hours a day, 15 hours a week, except between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Also, there are no two-for-one or bottomless drink specials. Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association has been working closely with businesses to make sure owners know all the guidelines.

Is it illegal to spit on the sidewalk in Indiana?

No person shall spit upon any public sidewalk, upon the floor of any public conveyance or upon the floor of any theater, hall, assembly room or public building; any such act shall be a public nuisance.

Is Indiana a no helmet state?

Under Indiana state law, motorcycle riders age 18 and over are not required to wear a helmet. However, riders with a permit, and riders under age 18 must wear a helmet and eye protection.

Can police enter my yard without permission?

The answer is yes; in some cases, police can enter your property without your permission or a warrant, but not just because they want to. Understanding these specific exceptions is crucial for protecting your rights under California law.

Is smell probable cause in Indiana?

Probable cause is the legal standard that law enforcement must meet before they can search your property or person without a warrant. In drug cases, probable cause may be established by things like the smell of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, or an admission of guilt.

What state has the toughest drunk driving laws?

Arizona is frequently cited as having the most rigorous DUI laws in the nation for first-time offenders. The state implements measures that are often reserved for repeat offenders in other regions.

What states still allow drinking and driving?

Except for one state, Guam, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, all states have laws prohibiting the consumption or possession of open containers of alcohol while in a motor vehicle. Mississippi and the Virgin Islands do not have statutes regulating the consumption or possession of alcohol in motor vehicles.

When did drinking and driving become illegal in Indiana?

In fact, in 1939, Indiana became the first state to have a law setting a blood alcohol content (BAC) for drunk driving. Times have changed since then—the limit was 0.15%, much higher than today's 0.08%, which was established in 2001—but that doesn't change the fact that our state was a pioneer in road safety.