Costa Mesa, Calif. – (Aug 11th, 2025): On Aug 13th, 2025, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will visit The Orange County Fair Grounds to educate Fairgoers on the importance of monitoring how much they drink and to “know your limit.” The “Know Your Limit” campaign will be from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm at the Orange County Fair, specifically focusing on beer gardens, food and alcohol vendors, and craft beer events.
The “Know Your Limit” program raises awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving and is an interactive way to show how much, or little, it can take to reach the legal limit to operate a vehicle. Officers will ask customers how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe they are still able to drive safely. Officers will then invite volunteers to take a breathalyzer test to see if they are able to guess their blood alcohol content (BAC). Customers are provided information on alcohol intake and average BAC levels.
It is illegal for anyone 21 or older to drive with a BAC of .08% or higher.
According to the California Driver Handbook, it takes two drinks consumed within one hour by a woman between 120-160 pounds and three drinks by a man between 180-220 pounds to be over the legal limit of .08%. One drink is based on 1.5 oz. of liquor (40% alcohol), 12 oz. of beer (4.5% alcohol) or a 5 oz. glass of wine (12% alcohol). The BAC lowers at a rate of .01% for every 40 minutes between drinks.
“The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions about how they get home,” Orange County Sheriff Department’s Regional Traffic Bureau Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “It only takes a few drinks to impair, and that’s why it is important that people know their limit.”
The average cost of a first-time DUI offense is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. Plan ahead and avoid the risk of a DUI by designating a sober driver.
Funding for the “Know Your Limit” program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
As the end of summer approaches and families prepare for Labor Day celebrations, The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices behind the wheel by never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12,429 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2023 — that’s one person every 42 minutes.
“We want everyone to enjoy their end-of-summer travels and Labor Day festivities, but it’s important to do so responsibly,” Traffic Bureau Sergeant Ishii said. “Driving under the influence not only puts your life at risk but also endangers everyone else on the road. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers the following tips to Go Safely:
Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated driver, use a ride-sharing service, taxi or public transportation.
Buckle Up: Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash.
Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
Follow Speed Limits: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
Watch for Pedestrians and Bicyclists: With more people enjoying outdoor activities, be extra vigilant and share the road responsibly.
Take Breaks: If you’re traveling long distances, take regular breaks to rest and avoid fatigue.
To help keep our community safe, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have additional officers on patrol Aug. 13 through Labor Day (Sept. 1) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
In addition to patrols, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday August 22, 2025 at an undisclosed location within the city of San Juan Capistrano.
While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.
Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
