Massachusetts DUI Laws
Massachusetts DUI Defense
What you're facing, what the deadlines are, and the questions your attorney needs to answer — specific to Massachusetts (MA) law.
BAC Limit
0.08
Enhanced BAC
0.20
Higher penalties above this
Lookback Period
Lifetime
Prior offenses count within
15 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline
In Massachusetts, you have 15 days days from your arrest to request an administrative DMV hearing. Miss this deadline and your license suspension goes into effect automatically — even if the criminal case is later dismissed.
First Offense Penalties in Massachusetts
Implied Consent & Test Refusal
Like all 50 states, Massachusetts has an implied consent law — by driving on Massachusetts roads, you've already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're impaired.
Refusal Penalty
180-day license suspension
Massachusetts-Specific Detail
Massachusetts uses a lifetime lookback — a DUI from 30 years ago counts as a prior offense. This is one of the harshest lookback policies in the nation. The state calls DUI 'OUI' (Operating Under the Influence).
Is your Massachusetts DUI defense on track?
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26 questions your DUI attorney hopes you never ask, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Massachusetts DUI defendants.
Important: This page provides general legal information about Massachusetts DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. Consult a Massachusetts-licensed attorney for guidance specific to your case.