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Each state legislature is responsible for setting their own laws regarding the penalties for drinking and driving. While most states are in agreement over the basics—like the fact that the blood alcohol content (BAC) level for operating a motor vehicle is capped at .08 percent (anything at this limit or above is illegal)—there are some big differences in regards to other things. In Asheville, North Carolina, for example, anti-drunk driving activists, fueled by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are hoping to change the law to make driving while impaired with a child in the vehicle a felony offense.

Holidays are regarded as some of the happiest days of the year, with time made for family and friends. And of course, holidays have also procured another reputation as well: as days designed for heavy drinking. Of all the holidays, St. Patrick's is one of the most infamous for high levels of intoxication, with thousands of people throughout the U.S. being brought into emergency rooms and detox centers for alcohol poisoning. But what's most dangerous, perhaps, is when those who have been drinking get behind the wheel of a car. In 2013, there were nine fatal accidents on St. Patrick's Day, which fell on a Sunday, and an additional 38 over the preceding weekend in the state of Texas. In response, Harris County patrol officers prepared heavily for DWI drivers this St. Patty's Day, implementing a "no-refusal" policy.

In July of 2014, South Texas Appeals Judge Nora Longoria was stopped by officers and arrested for a driving while impaired – DWI – charge in McAllen, Texas. The arrest occurred early in the morning on a Saturday, and according to reports, was based on the fact that Longoria was swaying from side to side, had slurred speech, smelled of alcohol, and had red, glossy eyes. Longoria had worked "had for 25 years," according to a quote from Longoria herself, to have the career that she had, and asked the officer to release her, stating that the arrest would "ruin" her life.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) was considering a change in policy that would allow alcohol to be sold at certain events where firearms are sold or auctioned off.