Chiefs and Sheriffs,
Some of you have reached out to me wanting to know where the Department of Public Safety stands on the implementation of the new blood alcohol content (BAC) limit change from .08 to .05. As a department, we do not expect a significant change for law enforcement and how DUI enforcement is currently handled. Law enforcement officers in Utah, consistent with national standard, are trained to make arrests for DUI based on impairment and the inability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Until the new .05 limit takes effect December 30, 2018, we will make sure to communicate and work with our law enforcement partners across the state. This includes working closely with all public stakeholders as this change is implemented.
I’d like to share the following information with you from our Utah Highway Patrol Breath Alcohol Technician Program on how we will continue DUI enforcement and address any misconceptions that may be presented by constituents. I encourage all of you to reference these facts as you see fit. This same information has been passed along to the Governor and his senior staff.
Sincerely,
Keith D. Squires
Commissioner
Utah Department of Public Safety
4501 South 2700 West
Box 141775
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1775
Office (801) 965-4062
ksquires@utah.gov
Commissioner Squires .05 BAC Fact Sheet
