What is one of the criteria for operating a vehicle under the influence?

Operating a vehicle under the influence in North Carolina encompasses various criteria, particularly involving substances that impair a driver's ability to operate safely. One of the key criteria is that it is illegal to operate a vehicle with any amount of a Schedule I controlled substance present in the bloodstream or urine. Schedule I substances are defined as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, which means that the mere presence of such drugs in a person's system is enough to demonstrate impairment.

This standard reflects a strict liability approach, meaning that even small amounts of these substances can result in a violation of the law, distinguishing it from alcohol-related offenses, where there is a specific legal limit (such as the 0.08 BAC limit for adults operating a vehicle). Understanding this criterion is crucial for law enforcement and individuals alike, as it underscores the seriousness with which North Carolina treats driving while impaired by illegal drugs.