Alcohol MPU: Blood alcohol limits Abstinence and Understanding the process
The most important information about the alcohol MPU – explained in an understandable way and clearly organized by topic.
Learn when an alcohol MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment) is ordered, when abstinence is required, how evidence works, and what is important in the medical and psychological parts.
When is an MPU ordered due to alcohol?
An MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment) is required when... 1,6 per mille mandatory arranged – also by bicycle or e-scooter. Starting from 1,1 per mille A medical-psychological assessment (MPU) is possible, especially if there are hardly any signs of impairment. repeated drunk driving, Accidents (0,3–1,09 per mille) or special cases can justify a medical-psychological assessment (MPU).
A MPU due to alcohol It is ordered when someone with a noticeably high blood alcohol level is stopped while driving. However, in certain special cases, it can also be ordered independently of driving.
From 1,1 per mille → MPU possible, especially if there are hardly any symptoms of impairment
From 1,6 per mille → MPU mandatory (also with Bicycle or E-Scooter)
Repeated drunk driving → MPU even with lower values
0,3 – 1,09 per mille → MPU in case of accident or conspicuous driving behavior
special cases → very high blood alcohol levels outside of road traffic or aggressive behavior under alcohol, if this is recorded
Most common reason for MPU → Alcohol is the main cause in Germany
Alcohol MPU without traffic offense
For example, authorities may order a medical-psychological assessment (MPU) if there is reasonable cause to suspect alcohol abuse or even addiction. This is the case, for instance, if several alcohol-related fights are already documented by the police. The psychological interview proceeds similarly in this case. However, the focus of the examination is then on offenses unrelated to road traffic. novice drivers and persons up to the age of 21th year of life must remain completely sober. You have a 0,0 per mille limit and therefore must not consume any alcohol before driving.
Do I need abstinence?
Not every case is Proof of abstinence required. Whether abstinence or controlled drinking is appropriate depends on the Prehistory, the File situation and the question of the MPU.
In many cases, abstinence is required, and you will need proof of abstinence to successfully pass an MPU or to regain your driving license. However, not everyone has to be abstinent to pass their MPU. Further information is available at MPU without proof of abstinence and under Shorten MPU proof of abstinence.
Often a so-called controlled Drink Possible. However, only if alcohol consumption is controlled so that your fitness to drive can be accurately assessed at all times. Intoxication must no longer occur. Seek traffic psychology advice before your alcohol-related MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment) and clarify whether or not you need proof of abstinence.
Often will incorrect recommendations by so-called experts, and those affected waste time and money due to unnecessary proof of abstinence. You are likely to need proof of abstinence in the following cases:
- Alcohol addiction was diagnosed.
- You have not been able to control your alcohol consumption in the past despite several attempts.
- This is the second or third time you have to take the MPU because of alcohol.
- You have already been caught under the influence of alcohol several times. Incidents outside of traffic are included.
Further important information on abstinence can also be found at Abstinence 6, 12 or 15 months. You can also find helpful information about abstinence in our chatbot.
How can I prove abstinence?
To obtain the required proof of abstinence, you can either undergo regular urine analyses or Hair analysis have it carried out. Since 2023, PEth analyses (Phosphatidylethanol) permitted. The analysis is then carried out using a drop of whole blood. For hair and urine analyses The sample will be tested for ethyl glucuronide (EtG).
This substance only occurs in large quantities in the body when alcohol has been consumed. Important: Liver function tests from your family doctor can be used to implement an abstinence monitoring program according to CTU criteria If proof of abstinence is required, you must participate in a monitoring program.
You can Assessment body (e.g., at AVUS or TÜV Nord) to complete an abstinence control program according to CTU criteria. In addition, there are various independent institutes and doctors who are significantly cheaper. At our partner laboratory, you can register directly.
Are liver function tests recognized?
As mentioned above, liver function tests are generally not accepted by MPU examiners as proof of abstinence. However, liver function tests can be used as additional findings to document alcohol abstinence. Further information on Liver values MPU can be found on our blog.
Questions and answers from an expert report
In our comprehensive guide, you'll find typical MPU questions for a MPU alcohol test. You'll also find sample answers in the guide.
How much does an MPU cost due to alcohol
The costs of an alcohol MPU are between approx. EUR 912 (As of January 2026, varies depending on the provider). Additional costs include any required proof of abstinence. Costs for abstinence certificates range between 300 and 700 euros. The costs vary depending on the provider and depend crucially on whether you need receipts for 6, 12, or 15 months. Due to the high costs, passing the exam is especially important.
The cost of one Alcohol MPU are around EUR 912Additional costs may apply for Proof of abstinence as well as for a professional MPU preparation.
How much does preparation cost?
The costs of MPU preparation vary depending on the provider. For a simple alcohol question, the costs for reputable consultants range between 949 and 3000 Euro. For further information on the costs and content of our modular preparation, please visit MPU consulting. For significantly cheaper or more expensive offers, you should find out exactly how the MPU preparation costs. Further information on the fines, points, and suspension you will receive if you are caught under the influence of alcohol can be found at bussgeldkataloge.de.
How does a medical-psychological examination work?
Ultimately, you must convince the MPU examiner that you have dealt with the incident sufficiently to be fit to participate in road traffic and that you no longer pose a danger. You must also credibly demonstrate that you will not drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol again. A medical-psychological examination consists of three parts: 1. Medical examination; 2. Reaction and performance test; 3. Psychological interview. At the very beginning of the MPU, you will usually have to complete a general questionnaire about yourself.
Medical examination:
In the medical part of the MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment), your health will be examined by a doctor, including reflexes, heart function, and the musculoskeletal system. If you are aware of any pre-existing medical conditions, you should definitely find out before your MPU whether these conditions could negatively affect your fitness to drive. The examining physician will also ask whether you regularly take any medication.
The doctor will also discuss your alcohol consumption with you and examine whether any adverse effects have already occurred as a result of your alcohol consumption. You should have thoroughly considered your previous alcohol consumption before your MPU. This will help you avoid giving different information about your alcohol consumption to the psychologist and doctor.
Reaction and performance tests:
This part of the MPU assesses your resilience, reaction time, and concentration. The tests are administered on a computer. This part of the MPU poses no problem at all for most participants. Younger participants find it particularly easy. However, the reaction and performance tests are important to determine whether you meet all the necessary requirements to drive a vehicle safely on the road. Even if the results of the reaction and performance tests are unsatisfactory, you have not necessarily failed.
You will also have the opportunity for a driving behavior observation, in which you can demonstrate that you possess the prerequisites for safely operating a vehicle. Accompanied by an assessor and a driving instructor, you will then drive a pre-determined route in traffic. If you control the vehicle safely and in accordance with traffic regulations, this will compensate for the insufficient reaction and performance tests.
Psychological interview:
The psychological interview is usually the most challenging. The interview with a psychologist is very detailed and often goes into great depth, for which many affected individuals are not adequately prepared. In this part of the MPU, you will be questioned in detail about the background and causes of the offenses on your record.
The expert will want you to provide a plausible explanation of what changes you have made so far to reliably prevent future drunk driving incidents. A summary of the most important questions can be found below. MPU questions. Further information on the process (from the offense to the MPU) can be found at MPU processThere you will find detailed descriptions of all the steps you need to complete before your MPU.
application
You can apply for a new driving licence at your local licensing office no earlier than three months before your driving ban expires. In some cities and municipalities, you can apply even earlier (e.g., in Berlin) because processing times often take several months. You will receive your licence back after passing a medical-psychological assessment (MPU) and after your driving ban has expired.
Avoid medical-psychological examination
After the end of your Blocking period You do not necessarily have to complete your MPU. Theoretically, you can take as much time as you like. Stay for 15 years Without any other abnormalities, you could even renew your driving license without a medical-psychological examination. Further information can be found at MPU statute of limitations.
FAQ – Alcohol MPU
★ When is an MPU ordered due to alcohol?
A medical-psychological assessment (MPU) is mandatory for alcohol-related offenses with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 1,6 per mille or higher. An MPU is often possible even with a BAC as low as 1,1 per mille. It can also be ordered in cases of repeated drunk driving offenses, accidents involving BACs between 0,3 and 1,09 per mille, or in special circumstances.
? Is alcohol the most common reason for a medical-psychological assessment (MPU)?
Yes. Alcohol is the most common reason for a medical-psychological assessment in Germany and is the main reason for MPU orders.
? Can an alcohol-related medical-psychological assessment (MPU) be ordered even without driving in traffic?
Yes. If authorities suspect alcohol abuse or addiction, a medical-psychological assessment (MPU) can be ordered even without a specific driving incident, for example in cases of multiple documented instances of driving under the influence of alcohol.
? Do I always need proof of abstinence for an alcohol MPU (medical-psychological assessment)?
No. Proof of abstinence is not required in every case. Whether abstinence or controlled drinking is possible depends on the individual's history and the specific questions addressed in the MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment).
? In which cases is abstinence required for an alcohol-related MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment)?
Proof of abstinence is usually required in cases of diagnosed alcohol dependence, lack of control in the past, a second or third alcohol-related MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment), and multiple alcohol-related offenses.
? What does controlled drinking mean in the context of the MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment)?
Controlled drinking means that binge drinking no longer occurs and that one's own fitness to drive is reliably assessed at all times. States of intoxication must no longer occur.
? What period of abstinence can be required for the MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment)?
Depending on the individual case, 0, 6, 12, or 15 months of abstinence may be required. The duration depends on the individual's history and the specific questions being assessed.
? Can the abstinence period be shortened?
Under certain conditions, a reduction may be possible. However, this is always a case-by-case decision and must be professionally reviewed.
? How can abstinence be proven for the MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment)?
Urine analyses, hair analyses, and, since 2023, PEth analyses from whole blood are accepted. These tests must be performed as part of a CTU-compliant monitoring program.
? Are liver function tests accepted as proof of abstinence?
No. Liver function tests are not accepted by MPU assessors as sole proof of abstinence. They can only be used as supplementary evidence.
? What is the procedure for a medical-psychological assessment (MPU) due to alcohol?
The MPU consists of a medical examination, a reaction and performance test, and a detailed psychological interview.
? What is examined in the medical part of the alcohol MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment)?
The medical section examines the general state of health, possible consequences of alcohol consumption, and information on previous drinking habits.
? Are reaction and performance tests difficult during the MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment).
For most people affected, these tests do not pose a major problem. Even weaker results do not automatically lead to a negative assessment.
? Why is the psychological interview the most important part?
The psychological interview assesses whether the causes of the alcohol-related offense have been identified, addressed, and permanently changed.
? What are the typical mistakes that lead to failing the alcohol MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment)?
Common reasons include contradictory statements, lack of root cause analysis, unrealistic self-assessments, or undocumented changes.
? How much does a medical-psychological assessment (MPU) cost due to alcohol?
The cost of an alcohol-related medical-psychological assessment (MPU) ranges from approximately 700 to 800 euros, depending on the assessment center. Additional costs may apply for proof of abstinence.
? What additional costs might arise?
Additional costs arise primarily from abstinence certificates and professional MPU preparation.
? What happens if I fail the alcohol MPU (medical-psychological assessment)?
If the assessment is negative, the MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment) can be retaken at a later date. Targeted follow-up work is advisable in this case.
? When can I submit the application for the reissuance of my driver's license?
Generally, the application can be submitted no earlier than three months before the end of the waiting period. The exact deadlines may vary regionally.
? How can the chances of receiving a positive MPU report be improved?
A realistic self-assessment, appropriate evidence, and structured preparation for the psychological interview can significantly increase the chances of success.