Legal BAC Limits for Driving
Driving under the influence (DUI) laws vary significantly around the world. Most countries set a maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above which it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment.
Below is a comprehensive overview of BAC limits by country. Use our BAC calculator to estimate your blood alcohol level.
BAC Limits — The Americas
| Country | BAC Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 0.08% | All 50 states. Utah: 0.05%. Under 21: 0.00–0.02% |
| Canada | 0.08% | Criminal offense. Most provinces penalize at 0.05% |
| Mexico | 0.08% | Varies by state. Some states have 0.04% |
| Brazil | 0.00% | Zero tolerance since 2012 ("Lei Seca") |
BAC Limits — Europe
| Country | BAC Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 0.08% | England & Wales. Scotland: 0.05% |
| Germany | 0.05% | New drivers (first 2 years) & under 21: 0.00% |
| France | 0.05% | New drivers (first 3 years): 0.02% |
| Spain | 0.05% | New drivers: 0.03%. Professional drivers: 0.03% |
| Italy | 0.05% | New drivers (first 3 years): 0.00% |
| Sweden | 0.02% | One of the strictest in Europe |
| Poland | 0.02% | Above 0.05% is a criminal offense |
| Czech Republic | 0.00% | Absolute zero tolerance |
| Hungary | 0.00% | Absolute zero tolerance |
BAC Limits — Asia & Oceania
| Country | BAC Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 0.05% | Learner & provisional: 0.00% |
| New Zealand | 0.05% | Under 20: 0.00% |
| Japan | 0.03% | Strict penalties including jail time |
| South Korea | 0.03% | Tightened from 0.05% in 2019 |
| China | 0.02% | Above 0.08% is a criminal offense |
| India | 0.03% | Varies by state. Some states ban alcohol entirely |
Key Takeaways
- Most countries set the limit between 0.02% and 0.08%
- The global trend is toward lower limits, especially for new drivers
- Several countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Brazil) have zero tolerance
- Penalties get significantly more severe above certain thresholds
- Commercial/professional drivers almost always face stricter limits
The safest approach: if you've been drinking, don't drive. Even one drink can impair judgment and reaction time. Use a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare service.