Chapter 5 of 520% of exam
Alcohol, Drugs & California Points/GDL
California uses strict impaired-driving limits and a graduated system for new teen drivers.
Blood-alcohol limits
It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher if you are 21 or older, and 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers. Drivers under 21 face zero tolerance and may not drive with a BAC of 0.01% or more.
Provisional (GDL) restrictions
For the first 12 months, a licensed driver under 18 may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. or carry passengers under 20, unless a licensed parent, guardian, or driver 25 or older rides along. Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone while driving.
Points and consequences
The DMV adds points to your record for at-fault crashes and violations. Accumulating too many points in a set period (for example, four points in 12 months) can lead to license suspension.