Alcohol limits in road traffic save lives
Many serious traffic accidents resulting in personal injuries are caused by drunk driving. To protect all road users, lawmakers have introduced blood alcohol limits, violations of which are punishable by points on the license, fines, suspension of a driver's license, or in very serious cases, even imprisonment. So-called repeat offenders are generally punished much more severely.
Zero alcohol limit
The absolute zero blood alcohol limit applies to all novice drivers on probation and to all persons up to the age of 21. Statistically, young people are particularly frequently involved in traffic accidents caused by alcohol. It was against this backdrop that the zero blood alcohol limit was introduced for novice drivers and young people.
0,3 alcohol limit
A blood alcohol level of 0,3 per mille can be reached with as little as one 0,33-liter beer, depending on body weight. A level of 0,3 per mille or higher is considered "relative unfitness to drive." If the driver exhibits erratic driving behavior, such as weaving, a blood alcohol level of 0,3 per mille or higher can lead to charges of driving under the influence. If the intoxicated driver also causes a traffic accident, they can expect to be convicted of endangering road traffic. Such offenses can result in substantial fines and the revocation of their driver's license for at least six months, and in the worst-case scenario, even imprisonment.
0,5 alcohol limit
If a blood alcohol concentration of more than 0,5 per mille is detected without any driving behavior that endangers traffic, this is considered a traffic violation. The first offense is punished with a fine of €500, a one-month driving ban, and two points on the driver's license. Repeat alcohol-related offenses become significantly more expensive: €1000 for the second offense and €1500 for the third. If an accident is caused under the influence of alcohol, more serious consequences can be expected.
1,1 alcohol limit
It is assumed that at 1,1 per mille, the so-called "absolute inability to drive" is reached. The probability of causing an accident at a blood alcohol level of 1,1 is ten times higher than when sober. Criminal prosecution always occurs, regardless of whether driving error was present or an accident was caused. A fine and, in rare cases, even a prison sentence of up to one year may be imposed. The driver's license will be revoked (for a period of six months to five years).
1,6 alcohol limit
From a blood alcohol level of 1,6, an additional MPU is ordered, as an advanced alcohol problem is likely to be present. In some federal states (including Bavaria), a blood alcohol level of 1,1 is already required. Medical-Psychological Examination (MPU) arranged.
