The regulations regarding drinking penalties differ significantly between Korea and the United States, and the enforcement of laws in California is quite strict. This is an important point to clarify.

The drinking culture in Sacramento is similar to that of California as a whole. The legal drinking age is 21 years old, which applies uniformly across California.

Visiting bars, restaurants, breweries, and wineries is legal, but you can be asked to show identification anywhere. Sacramento has developed a craft brewery scene alongside its Farm-to-Fork culture.

Craft breweries based in Sacramento, such as Track 7 Brewing, New Glory Craft Brewery, and Bike Dog Brewing, are popular, and visiting their taprooms is a favorite activity.

The nearby Lodi wine region and Clarksburg AVA are also within a day trip distance from Sacramento. Drinking in public places is generally prohibited. According to California law, drinking in public areas like parks, streets, and beaches is illegal unless it is part of a permitted event. However, some cities or festival events may allow drinking with special permits.

Penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) are very strict in California. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher results in DUI charges. For those under 21, the limit is 0.01%, and for commercial vehicle drivers, it is 0.04%.

For a first DUI offense: fines range from $390 to $1,000 (actual costs can be thousands of dollars when including other fees), a 6-month license suspension, mandatory completion of a DUI education program, and typically a conditional probation sentence.

For a second DUI: a 2-year license suspension, up to 1 year in county jail, increased fines and fees, and a requirement to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) may be imposed.

For a third DUI or more: you may be charged with a felony, which can lead to state prison time and license revocation. If a fatal accident occurs due to DUI, you could be charged with second-degree murder under the Watson Murder rule. This provision has been applied in California and should not be taken lightly.

Traffic law enforcement in Sacramento is jointly handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Sacramento Police Department, and Sacramento County Sheriff. DUI checkpoints may be set up during holidays and weekend nights.

Checkpoint information is sometimes made public through local media, but attempting to avoid them can also be problematic. Unlike Korea, in the U.S., driving after having one or two drinks is not taken lightly. While the concept of designated driving does not exist in the U.S., Uber and Lyft operate actively in Sacramento, so if you've been drinking, using a rideshare service is the best option.