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European drink drive limits

Drink driving is never a good idea and it is a particularly bad idea when you are driving abroad and require all your faculties and concentration to drive safely.

There is very little tolerance for drink driving in Europe and you wouldn’t want to waste your holiday consulting a speeding disqualification solicitor, so have a look at the list below to see the details for the country you are going to.

The Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia all practice a limit of zero tolerance, the below are figures are all for mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. For comparison, in the UK the alcohol limit is 80mg.

Austria

If you have had a licence for less than two years the limit is almost zero (1mg).

After two years if you are tested and register between 50mg and 79mg you will be fined as the maximum permitted level is 49mg.

Should test results show 80mg or more there is a higher fine and/or a driving ban.

Croatia

Zero tolerance is practiced for any driver less than 24 years old. If you’re over 24 then the legal limit is 50mg.

Denmark

50mg legal limit.

France

The limit for everyone is 50mg.  Worth noting is the necessity to carry a breathalyzer/alcohol test, which is a legal requirement despite the indefinite postponing of a fine for not having one. Be aware that random testing for alcohol presence in the blood is common.

Germany

Zero tolerance for drivers aged under 21 or any person who has held their licence for less than two years.  After two years or for those over 21 the standard legal level is 50mg

Greece and Cyprus

Zero tolerance is practised for drivers who have held their licence for less than two years. Also zero tolerance for moped and motorcyclists. For all other motorists a legal limit of 50mg applies.

Italy

A general 51mg limit is imposed but the legal limit for anyone who has held a licence for less than three years is zero.

Malta

80mg legal limit.

The Netherlands

50mg general legal limit however for drivers who passed their test less than five years ago this is reduced to 20mg.

Portugal

49mg legal limit, if a test result is between 50mg and 80mg you will lose your licence for the minimum of one month and have to pay a fine. Penalties increase for readings over 80mg.

Spain

50mg general legal limit, however for drivers who passed their test less than five years ago this is reduced to 30mg.

Switzerland

50mg general legal limit.

Norway and Sweden

The rule in both is a limit of 20mg, and there are severe penalties (including prison) for those in breach of this. Be aware that random breath tests are common in both countries.

Turkey

50mg general legal limit however if you are towing a caravan there is a zero-tolerance policy.

There is no definitive way of knowing the exact amount of alcohol you can drink without going over the limit, as it can depend on a number of factors including;

• Weight
• Stress levels
• Metabolism
• Gender

So, to avoid needing drink driving legal advice be sure not to drink at all or have a designated driver in your party.