What are the Binge Drinking Laws and Proposals in Oregon

Binge drinking is the excessive amount of alcohol consumption under a short span of time, for the sole intention of becoming intoxicated. It is a particularly major problem amongst the youth, and Oregon is no different, and laws are being introduced to combat this societal problem. There are binge drinking proposals and laws in place to lower this problem in Oregon.

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It is quite common for college age adults to consume much alcohol during their college days. This can adversely affect the brain’s development when alcohol is taken in moderate amounts- so what about binge drinking! Not to mention that to be charged with DUI after binge drinking could ruin your life, for there could be long jail time and heavy fines- and that is without injuring or killing someone behind the wheel, drunk.

What is binge drinking

As said, it is the excessive consumption of alcohol under a short period of time. It can be dangerous as well as deadly. It is popular all over, but, especially on college campuses and New Year’s Eve. The exact level of intoxication varies from state to state. It is more common among young males. However, young females are known to engage in it too. It is quite common among college campuses, which is why laws are introduced to combat this social ill.

Ill effects of binge drinking

Binge drinking has social, physical, and economic costs. It can cause horrendous and fatal accidents as well as death. It takes its toll on the physical body. Binge drinking can cause bad effects on cardiac, neurologic, gastrointestinal, immune, hematologic, musculoskeletal, and psychiatric organ systems. It can also lead to fetal alcohol syndrome in females who drink during pregnancy. Also, the main cause of death amongst adolescents, due to binge drinking, is traffic accidents. In fact, a third of all fatal traffic accidents is due to adolescents drinking alcohol.

First time DUI binge drinking conviction in Oregon

Oregon has stiff penalties for DUI. For a BAC 0.15 or above, which would be excessive intoxication, you would have to pay a fine of $2,000 minimum. Plus, you could face a suspended driver’s license up to a year; then, you would have to endure a ignition interlock device for a year after your suspension.

Second time DUI conviction in Oregon

If you have a BAC of 0.15 or above, you can expect to pay extra on fines. You would have to pay a minimum fine of $2,000. Your license would be suspended for 3 years, if you are convicted within 5 years of your previous conviction. Also, you would have an ignition interlock device put on your car for 2 years after your suspension.

Third time conviction for DUI in Oregon

A third DUI conviction is considered a Class “C” felony, if your other offenses occurred within the last 10 years. You could face up to 5 years in jail. A minimum fine of $2,000 would apply. Your license could be permanently revoked, and you would face an ignition interlock device for 3 years after license suspension.

It just isn’t worth it to drink and drive. The consequences of binge drinking can be dire, if not traumatic. And Oregon is fighting this problem.