Among all age groups, Gen Z drivers topped the list for DUI incidents, according to the study
A new study from LendingTree analyzed DUI data from 50 of the largest U.S. cities and found that BMW drivers are the most likely to be caught driving under the influence, with 3.09 DUIs per 1,000 drivers. Close behind were Ram drivers (3.0), followed by Acura (2.69), Audi (2.42), and Volvo (2.42)—making four out of the top five offenders luxury brands.
On the flip side, Mercury drivers had the lowest DUI rate at just 0.86 per 1,000 drivers, with Land Rover and Lincoln tied at 1.16. Tesla landed squarely in the middle of the pack, ranking 16th out of 30 brands with 1.9 DUIs per 1,000 drivers.
DUIs Per 1,000 Drivers by Car Make
| Make | DUIs Per 1,000 Drivers |
|---|---|
| 1. BMW | 3.09 |
| 2. Ram | 3.00 |
| 3. Acura | 2.69 |
| 4. Audi | 2.42 |
| 5. Volvo | 2.42 |
Among age groups, Gen Z drivers (ages 19–27) had the highest DUI rate at 2.62 per 1,000, followed by Millennials at 2.4. The data showed a steady decline in DUI rates with age, with the Silent Generation (79–95 years old) at the lowest, with just 0.21 DUIs per 1,000 drivers.
“People tend to become more risk-averse as they age,” said LendingTree analyst Rob Bhatt. “Gen Z will someday reach the age of today’s baby boomers. If they’re lucky, younger drivers will be more responsible then.”
The study also broke down DUI rates by city. Omaha, Nebraska, topped the list with 4.48 DUIs per 1,000 drivers, more than twice the national average of 1.9. While California didn’t claim the top spot, it dominated the rankings with six cities in the top 10, reflecting the state’s heavy car reliance. Surprisingly, New York City also made the top 10, despite its extensive public transit system.
Meanwhile, Chicago had the lowest DUI rate, with just 0.45 per 1,000 drivers, followed by Tulsa (0.65) and Miami (0.66).
