It is generally advised to wait at least one hour for each standard drink consumed before driving. For example, if three standard drinks were consumed, wait at least three hours before driving. However, this is a rough rule and varies by individual factors like age, body weight, metabolism, health conditions, and how much food was eaten. Even after the elapsed time, a person may still be over the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit or feel intoxicated, so it is safest to avoid driving if unsure. The only guaranteed way to be safe is to not drink at all before driving or to have a designated driver or alternative transportation if you have been drinking. Alcohol processing cannot be sped up by coffee, food, or cold showers—only time decreases BAC in the body. In summary:
- Wait at least one hour per standard drink before driving.
- Individual factors affect alcohol metabolism and BAC levels.
- You may be legally or functionally impaired even after waiting.
- The safest option: do not drink if you plan to drive or arrange other transportation.
Legal drink-driving BAC limits typically range around 0.05% in many regions. Driving with a BAC above the legal limit can result in penalties, accidents, and serious consequences. This guidance is based on recent expert recommendations and legal frameworks as of mid-2025.
