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Binge Drinking Laws in Massachusetts

Binge drinking is a serious problem that is affecting young people all across The United States. This style of drinking is one of the many challenges facing high school students and college students alike. On campuses across the country being drinking is known to be a favorite pastime for many college students.

 
 

More articles on DUI Laws in Massachusetts

  
 

Binge Drinking and Underage Drinking

Binge drinking is becoming a matter of increasing concern with law makers, with a large focus on college and university campuses all across America. A lot of research and studies have been done to show the harm of binge drinking and it association with underage drinking.

Risks of Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Consumption

Many young people think that the only side effects to consuming too much alcohol are being hung over, throwing up or headaches. They do not realize the serious risks involved that could affect their life, such as:

  • Violent behavior
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory lapses
  • Mood changes
  • Heart disease
  • Death
  • hypertension
  • Impaired judgment
  • Physical problems
  • Mental health problems
  • Alcoholism
  • And much more …

What is the Meaning of Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is a term used to refer to the heavy consumption of alcohol over a short period of time, usually five or more average drinks for men, and four or more drinks for women, in sixty minutes for a typical adult.

Overview of Massachusetts Drinking Laws

  • The legal age for drinking in Massachusetts is 21 years old.
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher is considered to be intoxicated.
  • Open containers of alcohol are not allowed in vehicles, they must be carried in the trunk of a vehicle.
  • A driver under the age of 21 with a .02 percent BAC or higher is subject to DUI charges.
  • A driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .20 percent above the maximum legal level of .08 percent is subject to harsher punishment.
  • DUI in the State of Massachusetts is considered a felony after the third conviction.
  • Drivers who are suspected of being under the influence and refuse to take a breathalyzer test are automatically subject to license suspension by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The suspension ranges from one year for the first offense, two years for the second conviction, and eight years for the third.