What charge is applicable to a person driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.07 in Maryland?

In Maryland, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.07 percent is classified as "driving while impaired." This is because the law sets specific thresholds for different levels of impairment. A BAC of 0.08 or higher is generally considered "driving under the influence" (DUI), which carries more severe penalties.

When a driver registers a BAC of 0.07, they are above the legal limit for impairment but not at the threshold that qualifies as DUI. Therefore, law enforcement can charge the driver with "driving while impaired," reflecting that they are not in full control of their abilities due to alcohol consumption, even though they have not reached the higher threshold that would lead to a DUI charge.

This distinction is important in understanding the legal limits regarding alcohol consumption and driving, as well as the corresponding legal ramifications associated with different levels of impairment.