The strictest DUI law in the country drops the legal limit from 0.08 to 0.05 percent blood alcohol concentration.

A woman could reach the 0.05 limit after a single drink, and a 160-pound man could hit the limit after two drinks, according to the American Beverage Institute, which opposes the lower limit.
Matt Miller of Salt Lake City said he isn’t sure people who’ve only had one or two drinks should end up with criminal charges, even though he doesn’t drive after drinking.

“Hopefully, it deters people from thinking, ‘Maybe I’m OK. I’ve only had a few beers. I’m fine to drive,’” Miller said. “If it deters people from drinking and driving, I think it’s a good thing, honestly.”

Dan Karl, 71, walks to the bar from his downtown home. He believes the law will change behavior and make other drivers safer.

“One. They’ll make sure they have designated drivers,” Karl said. “Two. They may not consume as much – or watch how much alcohol they consume – if they’re going to drive.”

Advocates of the 0.05 limit say it will reduce preventable crashes that hurt and kill people.

The law takes effect on Dec. 30, one day before New Year’s Eve.