When Did Drunk Driving Become Illegal

The first law criminalizing drunk driving in the United States was passed in New York in 1910. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s and 1940s that the issue of drunk driving gained national attention, leading to the enactment of stricter laws and enforcement measures. In 1980, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was founded, which further increased public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving and advocated for tougher laws and penalties. Today, drunk driving is illegal in all 50 states and is considered a serious criminal offense.