BMV Alcohol, Drugs, and Impaired Driving Laws 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following can impair driving ability as much as alcohol?
- Chewing gum
- Listening to music
- Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications (Correct answer)
- Drinking water
Correct answer: Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications
Many prescription and OTC medications, including antihistamines, sleep aids, and painkillers, can impair reaction time and judgment as much as alcohol.
Question 2: What is the typical penalty for a first-offense OWI in Indiana?
- Warning only
- A Class C misdemeanor with up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500 (Correct answer)
- A Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a fine up to $5,000
- Automatic 10-year license revocation
Correct answer: A Class C misdemeanor with up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500
A first OWI offense in Indiana is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500, plus license suspension.
Question 3: Can a driver be charged with OWI for driving under the influence of a legally prescribed medication?
- No, only illegal drugs and alcohol count
- Yes, if the medication impairs the ability to drive safely (Correct answer)
- Only if the BAC is also above the legal limit
- Only if the medication is a controlled substance
Correct answer: Yes, if the medication impairs the ability to drive safely
Indiana's OWI law applies to any substance — including legal prescription drugs — that impairs a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Question 4: What is a 'per se' OWI law?
- A law requiring a witness to the impairment
- A law that makes it illegal to drive at or above a set BAC regardless of actual impairment (Correct answer)
- A law only applying to repeat offenders
- A law requiring field sobriety tests before arrest
Correct answer: A law that makes it illegal to drive at or above a set BAC regardless of actual impairment
A per se law means that reaching or exceeding the legal BAC limit (0.08%) is itself the offense, without needing to prove actual impairment.
Question 5: What is an ignition interlock device (IID)?
- A device that locks doors when alcohol is detected
- A breathalyzer connected to the ignition that prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected (Correct answer)
- A GPS tracker required for OWI offenders
- A device that limits maximum speed after a conviction
Correct answer: A breathalyzer connected to the ignition that prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected
An IID requires the driver to blow into a breathalyzer before starting the car; if alcohol above a set threshold is detected, the engine will not start.
Question 6: How does alcohol primarily affect a driver's ability?
- Improves focus by reducing anxiety
- Slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and reduces coordination (Correct answer)
- Only affects vision at very high BAC levels
- Has no measurable effect below 0.05% BAC
Correct answer: Slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and reduces coordination
Even small amounts of alcohol slow reaction time, impair decision-making, and reduce the coordination needed for safe vehicle control.
BMV Alcohol, Drugs, and Impaired Driving Laws 2
Which of the following can impair driving ability as much as alcohol?