Confused Brit has one question for Americans after spotting same behaviour in most US shows and movies

For the average telly-watcher - who settles down in front of the small screen for a couples of hours a handful of nights per week - some production details might go unnoticed.

For some die-hard goggleboxers, however, there's nothing more riveting that picking up on discreetly-placed 'Easter eggs', catching some filmmaking blunders or picking apart plot holes in some of their favourite shows.

As is the case with one TV fanatic who, whilst sinking her teeth into some bingeable US boxsets this week, noticed a rather peculiar habit, portrayed by actors involved in each of the popular series' she watched.

Taking to the popular TV and film social media discussion forum Netflix Bangers, the viewer aired her confusion, which was centred on portrayal of boozing in hit limited series.

The trend has seen mass debate online. (CBC)

"OK I'm from the UK and just need to ask this of my fellow USA Netflix watchers," the intrigued telly-fanatic kicked off the conversation.

"Characters in American films & TV are often seen drinking alcohol then getting in a vehicle and driving."

Though the viewers opted not to 'name and shame' any specific shows or production firms of their alleged depiction of drinking and driving, she sought to get to the bottom of US laws regarding intoxication.

"This is a definite no no in the UK and wouldn't generally be seen on TV unless the character is being portrayed as bad," she continued.

"I'm curious if this is more acceptable in America, or just a TV thing!"

Is it true that the US has lax rules on drink driving? (Netflix)

And since posting her question online, the user has been met with a wave of responses.

Others admitted they'd made the same observation, with one user confessing: "Agree! I live in Australia and I see the same stuff portrayed in American TV shows and movies and real crime shows, like how?"

A second added: "The police chief in American shows always has a bottle of spirits in his/her drawer which is sampled often".

Some attempted to explain the apparent television trend, with one commenting: "America isn't walkable and has poor public transport most people drink and drive".

Another suggested: "Having a drink with dinner is very common. No big deal to have a drink and drive home. Not 10 drinks".

"Yes it's acceptance," a third added. "But things are changing.

Apparently, US drinking laws aren't as relaxed as TV shows imply. (ABC)

"Younger people grew up drinking less or not at all. It is against the law but doesn't stop anyone plus there is very limited public transportation in the USA (depending on the state)."

If this subject has also left you intrigued, allow us to clear up some legislation surrounding drinking and driving.

In the UK, the legal alcohol limit for driving is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of water, or 35mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

And if an individual is found having driven whilst above the legal limit, they could not only face six months imprisonment, but an unlimited fine and a driving ban for at least one year.

Thankfully, drink driving is also considered a criminal act in the US, though laws vary dependent on States.

The general rule - according to FindLaw.com - however, is that drivers aged 21 and over cannot drive with a blood alcohol concentration of higher than 0.08 percent, which is reduced to 0.02 percent if the driver is under 21.

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