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It’s highly unlikely you’d ever drink enough tea to get a DUI. But the surprising truth is that DUIs aren’t limited to alcohol or illegal drugs. You can get one for driving “under the influence” of any substance that impairs your ability to safely operate a vehicle. And yes, for some folks, that could even include green tea.

Take the case of Joseph Schwab, a California driver who got pulled over for swerving in front of an ATF officer in 2015. The officer said Schwab was “erratically weaving in and out of traffic” and almost caused several collisions. It sounded like a textbook DUI, so the officer arrested him. But when Schwab blew a 0.0% blood alcohol content (BAC) and his police toxicology report came back clean, everyone was stumped. Everyone except the prosecutor, who pressed charges anyway.

The twist? The only substance found in Schwab’s system was caffeine. Yup, coffee—society’s morning lifeline—almost landed this guy in jail.

A man in handcuffs being put in a police car
Man getting arrested | iStock

It’s a wild story, but here’s the kicker: DUI laws don’t care what you’ve consumed. If an officer thinks you’re impaired, you’re at risk of a ticket. This applies to all substances: weed, prescription meds, and even triple-shot espressos. Sure, proving a caffeine-related DUI in court is a tall order, which is why Schwab’s case was eventually dropped. But the law is clear: driving while impaired, by anything, is illegal.

Could you actually get a DUI for drinking too much tea?

That brings us to tea. Generally, it’s less risky than coffee because of its secret weapon: L-theanine. This compound is famous for taking the edge off caffeine, reducing the jitters, and leaving you calm and focused. If you’re pounding cups of Earl Grey or green tea, you’re less likely to feel wired enough to drive erratically.

But tea can still pack a punch, especially if you’re sensitive to tannins or caffeine. Redditor pbrim55 claims tea makes them “giggly, silly, fall-down drunk.” They even said, “I get a devastating hangover the next day—head pounding, throwing up, the whole bit.” Imagine explaining that to a traffic cop.

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So, could tea really lead to a DUI? For most people, probably not. But if it messes with your coordination, focus, or reaction time, it’s a possibility. Remember: it’s not the substance that matters—it’s how it affects your driving.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Henry covers Ford models daily, including the F-150. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. He’s an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont.