Drinking and driving is a dangerous combination and should be avoided at all cost. But how long till you can drive again? Know that, if you’ve ever asked, “How long should I wait after drinking before I can drive?”—you’re not alone. It’s a question bartenders, servers, and everyday people wonder all the time. The answer depends on a few key factors like how much you drank, your body type, and the time passed.
At ComedyTABC.com, where we offer state-approved TABC certification with a fun twist, we believe understanding this topic is essential—not just for staying legal, but for keeping people safe.
🚔 The Legal Limit in Texas: 0.08% BAC
In Texas (like most U.S. states), the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers over 21. This means if your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you’re considered legally intoxicated and can be arrested for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated).
🧪 How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your System?
On average, your body metabolizes one standard drink per hour. A “standard drink” is:
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12 oz of beer (5% ABV)
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5 oz of wine (12% ABV)
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1.5 oz of liquor (40% ABV)
So, if you had 3 beers, it would typically take about 3 hours for your body to return to a BAC of 0.00%—but that’s not a guarantee.
Factors like:
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Your weight and gender
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How fast you drank
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What you ate
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Medications or medical conditions
can all affect how your body processes alcohol.
⏱️ Is “Waiting It Out” Enough?
Many people think they’re good to drive just because they “feel fine.” But BAC doesn’t depend on how you feel—it’s a chemical measurement. And unfortunately, coffee, cold showers, or greasy food won’t sober you up faster.
The only real solution? Time.
🛑 Driving Even Below 0.08 Can Still Be Risky
You can still be arrested for DWI in Texas even if your BAC is below 0.08%, especially if:
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You show signs of impairment
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You cause a crash
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You’re under 21 (zero tolerance laws apply)
✅ What This Means for TABC Sellers & Servers
If you’re serving alcohol, you play a huge role in keeping drunk drivers off the road. That’s why Texas requires alcohol servers to be TABC certified—to recognize intoxication and prevent over-serving.
Knowing how long alcohol stays in the body helps:
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Prevent liability for over-serving
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Protect customers
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Keep the public safe
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Stay compliant with the law
💡 Tips for Responsible Service and Safe Driving
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Always offer water and food with drinks
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Watch for signs of intoxication (slurred speech, poor coordination)
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Encourage rideshare or designated drivers
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Don’t rely on “feelings” to judge sobriety—use facts
🎓 Want to Learn More and Get Certified?
Our online TABC certification course is:
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State-approved
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100% online
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Fast, funny, and easy to finish
You’ll learn everything you need to serve alcohol responsibly and legally in Texas—plus some laughs along the way.