Sheriff Don Barnes | Official website of Orange County
Sheriff Don Barnes | Official website of Orange County
On August 13, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will hold an educational event at the Orange County Fair Grounds in Costa Mesa. The effort aims to inform attendees about responsible alcohol consumption and the risks associated with drinking and driving. The “Know Your Limit” campaign will take place from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm during the Orange County Fair, targeting areas where alcohol is served such as beer gardens, food and alcohol vendors, and craft beer events.
The initiative is designed to show how quickly someone can reach the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) while driving. Officers will engage with fairgoers by asking how many drinks they have had and if they think they are able to drive safely. Volunteers will be offered a breathalyzer test to compare their perceived impairment with their actual BAC. Information on average BAC levels and safe alcohol intake will also be provided.
California law prohibits anyone aged 21 or older from driving with a BAC of .08% or higher. The California Driver Handbook notes that a woman weighing between 120-160 pounds can exceed this limit after two drinks within an hour, while a man weighing between 180-220 pounds may exceed it after three drinks in the same period. A standard drink is defined as either 1.5 ounces of liquor (40% alcohol), 12 ounces of beer (4.5% alcohol), or a 5-ounce glass of wine (12% alcohol). BAC typically decreases by .01% for every 40 minutes that pass between drinks.
“The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions about how they get home,” said Sergeant Kyle Ishii of the Orange County Sheriff Department’s Regional Traffic Bureau. “It only takes a few drinks to impair, and that’s why it is important that people know their limit.”
A first-time DUI offense can cost about $13,500 when including vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney costs, increased auto insurance rates, and other penalties. The department advises planning ahead by designating a sober driver to avoid these risks.
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