What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for Missouri drivers under 21 years of age?

In Missouri, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 years of age is set at 0.02%. This lower threshold reflects the state's strict stance on underage drinking and driving, acknowledging that individuals who are not of legal drinking age should not have any significant alcohol impairment when operating a vehicle.

The rationale behind this limit is to promote safety on the roads and to deter young drivers from consuming any amount of alcohol before driving, recognizing that even small amounts can impair judgment and reaction times. As such, exceeding the 0.02% BAC could lead to penalties, including fines or loss of driving privileges.

Other options reflect higher BAC limits that apply to the general driving population, which is set at 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over. These limits are designed with different considerations, acknowledging that adults are legally allowed to consume alcohol. However, Missouri has a "zero tolerance" policy for drivers under 21 to discourage any underage drinking and driving altogether.