Definition of Impaired:

State v. Harrington, 336 S.E.2d 852(1985)-Under our statutes, the consumption of alcohol, standing alone, does not render a person impaired.State v. Ellis,261 N.C. 606, 135 S.E.2d 584 (1964). An effect, however slight, on the defendant's faculties, is not enough to render him or her impaired.State v. Hairr,244 N.C. 506, 94 S.E.2d 472 (1956). Nor does the fact that defendant smells of alcohol by itself control.State v. Cartwright,12 N.C.App. 4, 182 S.E.2d 203 (1971). On the other hand, the State need not show that the defendant is “drunk,” i.e., that his or her faculties aremateriallyimpaired.SeeState v. Painter,261 N.C. 332, 134 S.E.2d 638 (1964). The effect must be appreciable, that is, sufficient to be recognized and estimated, for a proper finding that defendant was impaired.SeeState v. Felts,5 N.C.App. 499, 168 S.E.2d 483 (1969)(new trial on other grounds).