Time to reach zero
| BAC | Approximate time to reach zero |
|---|---|
| 0.03% | 2.0 hours |
| 0.05% | 3.3 hours |
| 0.08% | 5.3 hours |
| 0.10% | 6.7 hours |
| 0.15% | 10.0 hours |
| 0.20% | 13.3 hours |
These times use the average rate of 0.015% per hour. Individual rates vary with sex, liver health, medication and illness, so some people take longer.
Myths that do not work
- Coffee makes you more alert but does not lower BAC.
- A cold shower or fresh air does not speed up the liver.
- Water helps with dehydration but not with alcohol removal.
- Sleeping for a few hours may not be enough after heavy drinking: you can still be over the limit the next morning.
The driving limit in India
Driving with more than 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.03% BAC) is an offence under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. From 0.08%, it takes more than 3 hours on average just to fall below that limit.
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Open the BAC CalculatorFrequently asked questions
How long does one drink take to leave the body?
Roughly an hour or more per standard drink for an average adult, but it varies.
Can I drive the morning after drinking?
Not necessarily. After heavy drinking, BAC can stay above 0.03% for many hours.
Sources
- Alcohol metabolism and elimination (US Court of Appeals, First Circuit, reference sheet)
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Section 185
More guides
Written and reviewed by the editorial team at Evavel Private Limited. Found an error? Email care@calculations.one.