How Long Does It Take for 0.08% BAC to Be Eliminated from the Blood?

Meta Title: How Long Does It Take for 0.08% BAC to Leave Your System?
Meta Description: Discover how long it takes for a BAC of 0.08% to be eliminated from your blood. Learn about alcohol metabolism rates and safe driving timelines.
Article Section: Alcohol Metabolism
Keywords: 0.08 BAC elimination, alcohol metabolism, how long to sober up, blood alcohol level, BAC time calculator

Introduction

A BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.08% is the legal threshold for impaired driving in Canada and many other countries. But once you've reached that level—how long does it take for your body to eliminate it completely? The answer depends on a variety of biological and lifestyle factors.

This article explains how the body metabolizes alcohol, estimates how long it takes to sober up from a BAC of 0.08%, and discusses what influences these rates.

What Is BAC and What Does 0.08% Mean?

BAC refers to the amount of alcohol in your blood. A BAC of 0.08% means there are 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. At this level, most people will be legally impaired, experiencing reduced coordination, reaction time, and judgment.

How the Body Processes Alcohol

On average, the human body eliminates alcohol at a rate of 0.015–0.02% BAC per hour. This means that after reaching 0.08%, it can take approximately:

BAC Elimination Time Estimate

BAC Level Average Elimination Rate Time to Reach 0.00%
0.08% 0.015% per hour ~5.5 hours
0.08% 0.02% per hour ~4 hours

📌 These values are approximations. Everyone metabolizes alcohol differently.

Factors That Affect Elimination Time

Factor Effect on BAC Elimination
Body weight Lighter bodies hold higher BACs longer
Sex Women generally metabolize alcohol slower than men
Liver health A compromised liver = slower alcohol breakdown
Food intake Drinking on an empty stomach increases peak BAC
Time since last drink The body processes alcohol over time—nothing can speed it up

Myths About Sobering Up

Contrary to popular belief:

  • ❌ Cold showers do NOT speed up elimination

  • ❌ Coffee does NOT lower your BAC

  • ❌ Water and exercise may help hydration but won’t eliminate alcohol faster

✅ Only time will lower your BAC.

When Can You Safely Drive After 0.08% BAC?

If you've reached 0.08% BAC, it’s safest to wait:

  • 4 to 6 hours (minimum)

  • Better yet, use a personal breathalyzer or wait until the next day

Estimate: Time Until 0.00% BAC

Drinks Consumed Wait Time
4 drinks 6–8 hours
6 drinks 8–12 hours
8 drinks 12+ hours

Legal Considerations

In Canada:

  • 🚫 BAC ≥ 0.08% is a criminal offense

  • ⚠️ BAC ≥ 0.05% leads to provincial penalties

  • 🧑‍🎓 Novice and commercial drivers: 0.00% tolerance

Getting behind the wheel before alcohol has fully left your system can result in:

  • Fines

  • Licence suspension

  • Criminal charges

  • Even jail time

Conclusion

Reaching 0.08% BAC might only take a few drinks, but sobering up takes hours. Your body needs time—not tricks—to eliminate alcohol. Knowing how long it takes to reach 0.00% BAC can prevent dangerous driving decisions and help you stay within the law.

When in doubt, wait it out. Or don’t drive at all.

Sources

  1. Health Canada – Alcohol Guidelines – https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/alcohol.html

  2. CCSA – Canada’s Alcohol and Health Guidance – https://www.ccsa.ca/canadas-guidance-alcohol-and-health

  3. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Alcohol Metabolism – https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body