It is a common myth that a strong cup of coffee can sober someone up after a night of drinking. While caffeine might make a person feel more alert, it does nothing to speed up the body’s ability to process alcohol. In reality, time is the only reliable way to sober up.
Alcohol is processed by the liver at a fairly constant rate—usually about one standard drink per hour. This rate does not change based on how awake you feel or how many cups of coffee you drink. Caffeine may mask feelings of drowsiness, but it does not reduce blood alcohol concentration (BAC). That means even if someone feels more alert, they may still be well over the legal limit and impaired.
Don’t buy into the hype of this myth – The consequences can cost you
In North Dakota, the legal limit for most drivers is 0.08 percent BAC. For commercial drivers and individuals under the age of 21, the threshold is even lower. If you are pulled over and test above the legal limit, it will not matter how alert you seem or how recently you drank coffee. What matters is the amount of alcohol in your system.
Driving under the influence is a serious charge in North Dakota. A first-time offense can result in fines, jail time, license suspension and mandatory substance abuse evaluations. Repeat offenses carry even harsher penalties. Believing that coffee or a cold shower will make you safe to drive can put you and others at risk—and lead to legal trouble that could have been avoided.
As a result, when you’re headed out to have some fun, remember, coffee might perk you up—but it cannot sober you up. Only time can do that.