Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and can lead to serious consequences. In Germany, strict rules apply to the blood alcohol limit for cars to ensure road safety. In this guide, you will learn about the blood alcohol limits for drivers, the penalties for violations, and how alcohol metabolism affects your ability to drive.

1. Blood Alcohol Limit Car: An Overview

In Germany, tiered blood alcohol limits apply to drivers. These limits are based on the alcohol concentration in the blood and behavior in traffic. The most important thresholds are:

  • 0.3 Per Mille: At this level, penalties apply if there are abnormalities in driving behavior or accidents. This is known as relative driving incapacity.
  • 0.5 Per Mille: This is the strict blood alcohol limit for drivers. Without accidents or abnormalities, fines and driving bans may apply.
  • 1.1 Per Mille: This marks the beginning of **absolute driving incapacity**. Regardless of behavior, it is considered a criminal offense, which can result in the revocation of the driver's license.

These blood alcohol limits in cars are binding for all drivers. For certain groups of drivers, such as novice drivers or professional drivers, stricter regulations may apply (see the 0.0 Per Mille limit).

2. Comparison of Blood Alcohol Limits for Drivers

To keep track of the exact limits, here is an overview of the most important blood alcohol limits for cars in Germany:

  • 0.0 Per Mille: This limit applies to novice drivers in the probationary period and drivers under 21 years old. Professional drivers must also adhere to this limit.
  • 0.3 Per Mille: At 0.3 per mille, relative driving incapacity applies. Penalties may apply in case of abnormalities in driving behavior or accidents.
  • 0.5 Per Mille: From this limit, fines and driving bans may apply, even without abnormalities or accidents.
  • 1.1 Per Mille: At this level, absolute driving incapacity applies. License revocation and heavy penalties are imminent.

It is important to understand that these **blood alcohol limits** apply regardless of your personal assessment of your driving ability. Even if you feel fit, driving incapacity can already be present at 0.3 per mille.

3. What Happens at 0.3 Per Mille in the Car?

At 0.3 Per Mille, you can receive a penalty if you are involved in an accident or exhibit abnormal driving behavior. This is known as **relative driving incapacity**. In this case, the relationship between your alcohol level and your driving behavior is examined. If you are driving unsafely or endangering other road users, penalties may apply even if you have not exceeded the 0.5 per mille limit.

4. Absolute Driving Incapacity: The 1.1 Per Mille Limit

From a value of **1.1 Per Mille**, you are considered absolutely unfit to drive. This means that regardless of your driving behavior, you are deemed no longer fit to drive. At an alcohol level of 1.1 per mille and above, severe penalties apply:

  • License Revocation: You must surrender your driver's license and are prohibited from driving vehicles for a specified period.
  • Fine: High fines are imposed, which depend on the severity of the offense.
  • MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination): In many cases, you will be required to undergo an MPU to regain your driving eligibility.

5. What Penalties Apply for Violations of the Blood Alcohol Limit in Cars?

The penalties for violating the blood alcohol limit in cars are severe and depend on the level of alcohol and behavior in traffic. Here are the most important consequences:

  • Fines and Points in Flensburg: From 0.5 per mille, fines of up to €500 and a one-month driving ban may apply.
  • License Revocation: At 1.1 per mille or more, your driver's license will be revoked. Depending on the severity of the case, a suspension period of several months is possible.
  • MPU: To regain your driving license, you must pass an MPU, which assesses your driving fitness.

Summary

  • Blood Alcohol Limit in Cars: From 0.5 per mille, fines and driving bans apply; from 1.1 per mille, you are absolutely unfit to drive.
  • 0.3 Per Mille: At this level, relative driving incapacity can apply in case of accidents or abnormal behavior, even if you remain below the 0.5 per mille limit.
  • 1.1 Per Mille: From here, absolute driving incapacity applies, which can lead to license revocation and heavy penalties.
  • Novice Drivers and Professional Drivers: For these groups, a strict 0.0 per mille limit applies.

Questions Answered by This Article:

  • Blood Alcohol Limit Car: What blood alcohol limits apply to drivers?
  • Blood Alcohol Limits Car: At what blood alcohol level do penalties apply?
  • Car Blood Alcohol Limit: What happens if I drive a car with too much alcohol in my system?