Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs - catalog of fines 2022

Table of contents:

Alcohol catalog of fines

Description	Fine	Points	Driving ban	Is an objection worth it?
Violation of the 0.5 alcohol limit		< /td>
... the 1st time	500 €	2	1 month1 M	Check here
... the 2nd time	1000 €	2	3 months3 M	Check here
... on the 3rd time	1500 €	2	3 months3 M	Check here
Endangerment of Traffic under the influence of alcohol (already from 0.3 per thousand)		3	Withdrawal of driving licence, imprisonment or fine	Check here< /td>
Blood alcohol from 1.1 per thousand		3	Withdrawal of driver's license, imprisonment or fine	Check here

Drugs fine catalog

< td>2

Description	Fine	Points	Driving ban
Violation of the drug law in road traffic
... the 1st time	500 €< /td>	2	1 month1 M
... the 2nd time	1000 €	2	3 months3 M
... for the 3rd time	1500 €	3 months3 M
Danger to traffic under the influence of drugs		3	Driving license suspension, imprisonment or fine

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Driving alcohol and drugs: a danger for all road users

Driving alcohol is not a trivial offence. Anyone who drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a risk to general road safety and puts the lives of other road users at risk.

The person concerned must also expect serious consequences: According to the catalog of fines for alcohol/drugs, there is a risk of a driving ban, withdrawal of driver's license, high fines or even imprisonment.

Our guide explains in detail what drivers have to do with drinking alcohol/drugs at the wheel and how alcohol and drug consumption affect their fitness to drive.

FAQ: Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs

What is the blood alcohol limit in Germany?

In Germany, the blood alcohol limit is 0.5. Novice drivers on probation and drivers under the age of 21 are not allowed to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

What are the penalties if I'm caught driving drugs or alcohol?

If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you can expect a fine of at least 500 euros, two points and a one-month driving ban. Our tables show the sanctions that threaten repeat offenders.

Is alcohol an A offense during the probationary period?

Yes. This is a serious regulatory offence. You can find out what consequences this entails in our guide to alcohol during the probationary period.

Specific information about alcohol:

Don't feel like reading? Driving under the influence of alcohol explained in the video

Alcohol fines catalogue: You need to know that

Not only because of scientific findings about the negative influence of alcohol on the ability to drive does the traffic law impose tough penalties for drinking and driving before. In the event of violations, drivers must expect a fine and points in the points register in Flensburg and, under certain circumstances, a driver's license may be revoked or even criminal proceedings.

In addition, the driver's license authorities can request follow-up training or an advanced seminar or an MPU (medical-psychological examination) for drink driving or drug driving. There are different blood alcohol limits when it comes to drinking and driving:

Our infographic also shows you the consequences of violating the alcohol limit:

Additional advice on the alcohol limit

Drunkenness in traffic: these are the current blood alcohol limits

Up until 2001 there was a 0.8 alcohol limit in Germany, but this was abolished by an amendment to the catalog of fines and replaced by the 0, 5 per thousand limit was replaced.

But the current limit is by no means a free pass for you to "drink" up to this value. Because if a driver commits a driving error even with a low alcohol concentration in the blood, penalties can already be imposed from 0.3 per mille.

0.3 to 0.49 per thousand

If there are no signs of unfitness to drive, you have nothing to fear at first. However, anyone who makes a driving mistake, stands out due to symptoms (disorientation, reduced ability to react, etc.) or is involved in an accident is liable to prosecution even with a low blood alcohol level.

At this point it should be emphasized that 0.3 per thousand can be reached very quickly: depending on the physical constitution, for example after two glasses of wine or beer.

Many drivers are not even aware that they can be prosecuted for drunk driving or drinking and driving with a blood alcohol level of less than 0.5 per mil and that they have to answer for it. The perpetrator may face points in Flensburg, the withdrawal of the driver's license, a fine - or even imprisonment.

0.5 to 1.09 blood alcohol levels

Anyone caught with a blood alcohol level between 0.5 and 1.09 commits an administrative offense in accordance with Section 24a of the Road Traffic Act (StVG). It does not matter whether the drunk driver has made a typical alcohol-related driving mistake or is involved in an accident. In any case, you must expect a fine of at least 500 euros. There are also points in Flensburg and a driving ban.

Additional advice on the consequences of the violation

These are the consequences of drinking and driving

What the person affected actually does after drinking and driving depends, among other things, on whether he is a repeat offender or not.

In the case of a first violation, the fine is 500 euros, plus a month's driving ban and two points in Flensburg.

If the person was caught drunk driving at least once in the past, the fine increases to 1,000 euros or 1,500 euros; In addition, there are two points and a three-month driving ban. In individual cases, an MPU can also be ordered by the driving license authority if you are caught driving after drinking alcohol.

Absolute unfitness to drive from 1.1 per mille

From a blood alcohol level of 1.1 per mille, every driver is considered to be absolutely unfit to drive, regardless of whether a driving error is committed or other signs of failure occur. With such a blood alcohol level, there is a risk of personal injury or property damage. At the same time, the drunk driver cannot provide evidence to the contrary that he is unfit to drive. Anyone who drives a motor vehicle on the road with a blood alcohol concentration of 1.1 or more is without a doubt liable to prosecution!

What is the penalty?

The perpetrator faces the following – if he is caught drunk driving:

Anyone driving with 1.6 per thousand alcohol or more must not only expect the criminal sanctions mentioned, but also an MPU is mandatory for them to regain their driving license. In some cases, the MPU is also accompanied by proof of abstinence from alcohol. Incidentally, this is also important for cyclists, because from 1.6 per mille, cyclists are also considered absolutely unfit to drive.

Special feature: the zero per mille limit

For novice drivers in the probationary period and for license holders under the age of 21 Years ago, the zero-alcohol rule has been in force since August 1, 2007, i.e. an absolute ban on drinking and driving. According to Section 24c of the Road Traffic Act, anyone who starts driving under the influence of alcohol or consumes alcoholic beverages while driving a motor vehicle is breaking the law. The person concerned receives a fine of 250 euros and an entry in the Flensburg traffic offender file.

The perpetrator must also complete paid follow-up training (the so-called advanced seminar); In addition, the probationary period is extended by two years. In addition, the regulations according to §24a StVG also apply!

Finally, it should be emphasized once again that this not only applies during the probationary period, but also for drivers who have not yet reached the age of 21. If, for example, the driver's license is obtained at the age of 17 and the probationary period has expired after two years, the person is still not allowed to get behind the wheel with alcohol.

Basic information on the catalog of fines for drugs

Just like driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs is not allowed and will be punished. However, unlike alcohol, there are no set limits for drugs while driving.

The most commonly consumed intoxicants include Cannabis, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy.

Anyone caught driving drugs or driving under the influence must expect the following consequences:

In addition, an MPU is almost always ordered. If the driver shows signs of unsafe driving or if a traffic accident occurs under the influence of drugs, the driver must expect criminal consequences. Then, in addition to points, the driver's license can be revoked and possibly even imprisonment.

Be careful with chronic drug use

If chronic drug use is confirmed by a medical report, there are generally considerable doubts about the driver's suitability and the driver's license can be withdrawn preventively. However, if a doctor prescribes strong drugs that limit your ability to drive, a driver's license suspension is discrimination.

Consumption of cannabis and participation in traffic

Cannabis products such as marijuana or hashish are counted among the soft drugs. Cannabis is detected comparatively frequently in traffic controls. In principle, four scenarios are conceivable in connection with cannabis products in road traffic:

More information about drugs:

Drugs in traffic

Users of drugs such as heroin, methadone, ecstasy, amphetamines, etc. lose their driving licenses even if they were not driving under the influence of drugs. In this case, too, the legislature does not trust the person concerned to drive a motor vehicle.

Driving ban vs. driving license withdrawal: What is the difference?

In the event of an administrative offense (drinking alcohol: up to 1.09 per thousand in the blood), a driving ban will be issued for a period of one to six months . In principle, however, the driving license remains in place. Accordingly, the driving license is simply returned after the driving ban has expired.

When a driver's license is withdrawn, there is a ban of at least six months, during which the license to drive motor vehicles is withdrawn from the person concerned. As a rule, a ban is permissible for a maximum of five years. After the blocking period has expired, the driving license must be reapplied for and issued. In cases of hardship, it can happen that both the theoretical and practical driving test have to be retaken.

With the first driving ban, the driver is given a period of four months to surrender his driving license (in the case of alcohol violations, for example). From the second violation, the person concerned cannot choose the time for delivery. If you lose your driving license, your driving license is usually gone immediately.

When is it possible to shorten the blocking period?

First-time offenders who have been caught drinking and driving for the first time can shorten the blocking period by attending a special seminar. The prerequisite is that they had less than 1.6 per mille and have not previously appeared under traffic law. The blocking period can be shortened for the range between 1.6 and 1.99 per mille if you have successfully taken part in an MPU before attending the seminar. From 2 per mille, however, there is no prospect of a reduction in the blocking period.

Driving under the influence of alcohol: the effects

Under the influence of alcohol, the ability to drive decreases rapidly and the reactions of the drunk driver change significantly. The most well-known effects are a lack of coordination and a reduced reaction time.

The alcohol in the blood ensures that the sense of balance is disturbed and the movement processes no longer function properly. But there are a whole range of other effects that are typical of drinking and driving.

Due to the extremely dangerous effects of alcohol on driving, drinking and driving (or drunk driving) is a criminal offense in almost every country in the world. The severity of the penalty depends on the alcohol concentration in the breath and/or the determined blood alcohol concentration. You can use the alcohol fines catalog to find out the penalty for drunk driving.

Typical drink-driving offenses

There are a number of typical driving errors that are started by a drunk driver. These include:

Drink driving: Which driving mistakes at which alcohol level?

What effects does an increased alcohol level have on fitness to drive? What is certain is that even small amounts of alcohol in the blood lead to restrictions in driving behavior. The following section provides an overview of which typical driving errors must be expected from which blood alcohol level:

These are approximate only; actual symptoms may vary from person to person as each person reacts to alcohol differently. The subjective perception of alcohol depends on factors such as gender, body weight and height.

Alcohol habit also plays a role. If a certain amount of alcohol is consumed regularly, self-perception becomes accustomed to alcohol and perceived tolerance increases. There is always the case that drivers with a very high blood alcohol level are stopped and do not show any signs of failure. Here, however, there is usually a long history of alcohol.

Drug Driving: The Impact

The exact impact of drug use on driving ability is difficult to predict. Especially when it comes to so-called mixed consumption, in which different drugs (including alcohol) are combined. Below are some typical effects of drugs (example drugs) on driving behavior and ability to drive:

Cannabis products (marijuana, hashish)

Ecstasy

LSD

Opiates

The ability to drive is therefore impaired to an increased extent by drugs. Above all, mixed consumption represents a particularly high risk. By the way: “Drug drivers” are generally more likely to be under the influence of alcohol.

You can get precise information about the effects of drugs on the road from the numerous addiction counseling centers in Germany. The advice centers not only offer those affected information about intoxicants, but also help and support in overcoming drug problems, advise on MPU and carry out important educational work in order to keep the damage caused by drugs as low as possible.

Information on how to detect other drugs

Alcohol test: procedure and other important information

In order for the police to be able to carry out an alcohol test at all, there must be clear indications of the consumption of alcohol. Examples of such clues include slurring, an alcohol streak, and obvious insecurities while driving. If any of this is observed, police officers are allowed to take a breathalyser test, which is used as a "statement of fact" and is important to the potential proceeding.

The police usually determine the alcohol content in the breath and not the alcohol content in the blood during checks. An electronic measuring device is used for determination, which must be breathed into on site. The breath alcohol measuring device (Handalkomat) allows the officers to find out the approximate degree of alcoholization after a few seconds. This value is very important for the further process, because if the measured value is close to the legal limit value, the driver has to go to the police station due to an initial suspicion of an administrative offense or criminal offence.

This procedure is essential, since a breath alcohol measurement in court is usually not usable and is only a kind of indication, although experience has shown that this measured value deviates only minimally from the binding value of the blood sample.

And when exactly will the blood be drawn? A blood test is only essential if, for example, it is determined that you are unfit to drive and the first reading from the handheld device is in the range of a criminal offence. With a blood concentration of 1.1 per mille or more, a blood test is mandatory for the suspect. The blood test is carried out by a doctor and is usually carried out at the office, but in an emergency it can also be carried out by an informed doctor in a hospital. For the blood test you have to reckon with costs between 50 and 80 euros. In addition, there are medical and administrative costs that must be borne by the suspect.

In order to avoid an impending driver's license withdrawal or a driving ban or another penalty, many drunk drivers have the idea of ​​refusing the alcohol test during a check. This is also your right, because anyone can refuse to blow into the tube.

Of course, you won't get out of trouble that quickly. The police will instruct the driver that the alcohol test will be compulsory and they will then go to the police station and have the suspect's blood drawn. Although this is an invasion of physical integrity, taking a blood sample no longer has to be ordered by a judge or prosecutor. If the officials see the objective of the examination in danger, they can take the blood with all the necessary means without the consent of the person concerned and without a judicial review.

This means you have no chance of refusing the breathalyzer test. Anyone who is unteachable and strictly resists the blood test must expect to be charged with resisting law enforcement officials.

How does an alcohol test work?

The infographic shows you how the mobile alcohol measurement by "blowing/blowing" works:

Drug test: procedure and other important information

How does a drug test work? Usually, the first thing to do is conduct a behavioral test, in which the police look for external signs that clearly indicate drug use. Typical indicators are red eyes, slow reactions, impaired balance or a sluggish reaction of the pupils to light. There are also some standard officer tests, such as touching the tip of your nose with your index finger multiple times or standing on one leg for 30 seconds. These have no probative value and can be used in court against the officials.

Since these methods are now considered unusable, a rapid drug test is used instead, which almost every police car is equipped with. This involves taking a suspect's sweat or saliva using a drug wipe test introduced in 2003; the whole thing is analyzed on the spot. Recently, the multi-drug test, in which the police officers can prove the use of several drugs, has also become more and more popular.

Since the rapid drug test is too imprecise, a urine test or a blood sample can be ordered by a judge or public prosecutor if there is reasonable initial suspicion - even against the will of the vehicle driver. To take blood, you go to the police station or to a hospital. If the suspect refuses, coercion is permissible – which involves provisional arrest.

Danger! If the police have a concrete suspicion that the person concerned has committed a traffic offense under the influence of alcohol, they can have the blood drawn without a court order. The authority to do this results from Section 81a Paragraph 2 Clause 2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Balcohol calculator and breathalyzer: useful or superfluous?

After a boozy party or a visit to a pub, many drivers are faced with the decision of whether to are still allowed to drive themselves or whether the blood alcohol limit for the car of 0.5 per thousand has been reached. How good that there are various ways to determine your own blood alcohol level.

Whether on the Internet, as an app for the smartphone or as a handy measuring device: Alcohol calculators are a dime a dozen and they suggest to the user that the blood alcohol level can be determined in no time at all. But how do blood alcohol calculators work and how accurate are they?

How do blood alcohol calculators work?

A blood alcohol calculator (e.g. on the internet) should show you how much blood alcohol you have after two beers or a glass of wine, for example. Various parameters such as gender, age, height and weight as well as alcohol drink and amount have to be entered and the device spits out the supposedly exact blood alcohol level.

As an alternative to the programs, there are various measuring devices and alcohol testers, such as vending machines or a compact version for the glove compartment. Here, as with a real alcohol test, you blow into the device and the breath alcohol concentration (AAC) is displayed.

How accurate are alcohol testers and alcohol testers?

In general, you should be very skeptical about the results - especially when it comes to alcohol calculators, which should never be taken too seriously. The blood alcohol calculator does not say anything about possible driving impairments or your actual ability to react, nor do factors such as physical condition are taken into account.

It is not very helpful if the online calculator shows less than 0.5 per thousand and encourages the drunk driver to drive. The relevant test devices as alternatives to the blood alcohol calculator are the better choice - right? Studies and experiments have shown that numerous breathalyzers sometimes work very unreliably - even if the devices are similar in principle to those of the breathalyzers used by the police.

But sometimes there are enormous deviations of more than 0.5 per thousand. Accordingly, you will usually find information in the operating instructions for this alcohol tester that no binding results can be determined. And in the case of an alcohol test, it will of course not help a drunk driver if you refer to the failure of the alcohol meter.

No help for determining the blood alcohol level

Therefore the note: blood alcohol calculators and alcohol measuring devices (also alcohol testers, alcohol testers, alcohol test devices) are not a reliable aid for calculating your own blood alcohol level, as they are simply too imprecise to determine the actual blood alcohol level. Therefore, you should never rely on the information, especially since drinking and driving will result in severe penalties.

MPU: Information on content, costs and failure rate

The medical-psychological examination, or MPU for short, is always ordered by the driver's license authority if the driver's license holder has noticed anything unusual on the road. This test, which is also known as the “idiot test”, is usually required when driving under the influence of alcohol (more than 1.6 per mille), multiple alcohol conspicuities or drug driving. The purpose of this investigation is to check whether the person concerned is at all suitable for driving motor vehicles. Drunk driving is the most common reason for the test at over 50 percent, followed by drug and medication abuse at around 20 percent. The MPU consists of the following components:

In detail this means:

What are the MPU results?

At the end of the MPU there are three possible results:

The opinion of the MPU is only a recommendation for the driving license authority. The final decision about the driver's license is ultimately made by her.

MPU: costs and duration

Depending on the case, the costs amount to around 300 to 740 euros and are to be borne by the person concerned. In addition, there may be additional costs for applying for a new driver's license at the driver's license office and 500 to 1,400 euros for possible traffic therapy. In addition, any hair or urine analysis can cause additional costs of several hundred euros. According to ADAC, the average total cost for an MPU is between 1,000 and 2,500 euros. The examination usually takes place at TÜV or DEKRA and usually takes between three and four hours, but in exceptional cases it can take much longer.

The failure rate at the MPU

Many take the MPU lightly and go into the examination with the "I can do it anyway" attitude. But be careful: On average, a third of the examinees fail, but this has improved significantly compared to the failure rate of over 50 percent a few years ago. According to experts and professionals, this development is thanks to good traffic therapies.

Statistics and figures on traffic accidents involving alcohol and drugs

Alcohol and drugs, like lawn, are still among the most common causes of serious traffic accidents. Although the number of people killed in alcohol-related accidents has fallen steadily in recent years, far too many people are still dying.

According to statistics from the Federal Statistical Office (destatis), 228 people died in alcohol-related accidents in 2019, while a total of 17,183 road users were injured (minor and serious injuries). Compared to the previous year, the number of alcohol-related accidents involving personal injury remained almost the same, while the number of fatalities fell by 6.6 percent. Nevertheless, every thirteenth road fatality in 2019 died as a result of an alcohol accident.

In 2010, on the other hand, 346 people died in alcohol-related traffic accidents on German roads, which accounted for 9.5 percent of all traffic fatalities that year. At the beginning of the millennium, however, things looked much worse, with 1,022 people (13.6 percent of all traffic deaths) losing their lives in alcohol-related accidents in 2000.

In 1992 there were even more than twice as many deaths with more than 2,100 casualties. However, the positive development that has been going on for decades is not due to the better understanding of road users, but rather to the fact that vehicles are becoming safer and safer, for example through electronic assistance systems and are already installed as standard in many cars. In addition, various accident hotspots on country roads and in towns throughout Germany have been defused and, of course, the lowering of the blood alcohol limit from 0.8 to 0.5 has also made its contribution. However, this is by no means a reason to get behind the wheel while drunk.

It has been statistically proven that a drunk driver is eight times more likely to cause a fatal traffic accident.

Statistics: accidents under the influence of alcohol in recent years

Source: Destatis

Young drivers as the largest risk group

According to the Federal Statistical Office, young drivers are still the number one risk group for traffic accidents involving alcohol. A third of all accidents involving personal injury are attributable to drunk drivers in the 18 to 24 age group. Alcohol-related traffic accidents occur remarkably often on weekends. However, the introduction of the zero alcohol limit for novice drivers has reduced the number, which is why the DVR is demanding a strict ban on alcohol for all road users.

Drug accidents are increasing rapidly

While the trend in traffic accidents involving personal injury has been declining for many years, the situation with drugs is unfortunately less positive. While the number hardly changed between 1975 and 1990 (from 323 to 341 accidents involving personal injury), there has been a rapid increase since 1991. From 1991 to 2019, the number of accidents involving personal injury under the influence of drugs / intoxicating substances rose sharply and increased by around 550 percent, from 434 to 2,386 accidents. In 2019, a total of 52 people died from drug-related traffic accidents.

Alcohol limits abroad

No matter which country you are driving in, the premise must always be "Don't drink and drive". Of course, there is also a blood alcohol limit throughout Europe, which is usually 0.5 per thousand, as in Germany. This is also the case in the popular holiday countries of Italy, France, Austria and Switzerland. But there are also fluctuations. In Great Britain or Malta, for example, you are a bit more tolerant when it comes to drinking and driving and the upper limit is still 0.8 per mille. Other European countries, on the other hand, have a strict ban on alcohol. Drivers have to be completely sober, especially in some Eastern European countries such as Hungary, the Czech Republic or Russia.

Alcohol limits in Europe

The following is an overview of the different alcohol limits in Europe:

Drunk driving: What are the penalties in Europe?

It is highly advisable, especially abroad, to stick to the blood alcohol limit, as there are sometimes hefty penalties. Although Great Britain is even more tolerant than almost the rest of Europe when it comes to drinking and driving, given the 0.8 alcohol limit, a violation is really expensive. According to the alcohol fine table, anyone who is caught drunk driving in Great Britain can expect a fine of up to 5,980 euros.

In Sweden, fines start at 40 daily rates, based on the driver's income. In Denmark, on the other hand, you can expect to be fined at least one month's income for drunk driving. But even in Hungary, where there is a strict ban on alcohol behind the wheel, you will be asked to pay up and face a fine of at least 970 euros.

In popular German holiday destinations such as Spain (from 500 euros), Italy (from 530 euros), Austria (from 300 euros), Portugal (from 250 euros), France (from 135 euros) or Croatia (from 90 euros), the fines sometimes vary significantly, with the range of the fine ultimately also depending on the blood alcohol level determined. But in addition to the fine, there are other inconveniences for drunk drivers. Of course, continuing to drive is usually prohibited and those who cannot pay the fine immediately must expect a vehicle seizure in some countries. Anyone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs who causes an accident – ​​possibly resulting in injuries – faces a prison sentence on top of that.

Alcohol limits in the USA, Australia and Canada

Of course, drunk driving is also a serious offense in the USA, Australia and Canada (driving under the influence = DUI), which in the worst case can lead to imprisonment can. But how do the blood alcohol limit and the catalog of fines for alcohol look like in the respective countries?

Whether in Germany or abroad: When in doubt, always leave your car, motorbike or bicycle at home and switch to public transport or a taxi. It is also advisable that you inform yourself about the various traffic regulations in the country before you travel, just to be on the safe side.

Driving with alcohol

The blood alcohol limit when cycling is significantly higher than when driving a car. But how many per thousand are allowed? What are the penalties for a violation? And why is drunk cycling so dangerous? The answers are below.

How much blood alcohol is allowed on a bicycle?

In comparison to drivers (blood alcohol limit 0.5), cyclists are allowed to ride without a penalty up to a blood alcohol level of 1.6. If you come to a check and show no signs of failure (driving error, accident), you can continue driving with impunity.

What is the penalty?

Anyone who sits on the saddle with a blood alcohol level of more than 1.6 commits a criminal offence. According to the list of fines for alcohol, there is a risk of 3 points in the central traffic register in Flensburg and a hefty fine of one month's salary. In addition, an MPU is also arranged. If the medical and psychological examination is not passed, the authorities can revoke the driver's license or order a ban on cycling.

Anyone who doesn't have a driver's license can be banned from having one at all in the future. However, drunk cyclists with a blood alcohol content of less than 1.6 are also at risk of trouble if they make alcohol-related driving errors (e.g. driving in a snaking manner) or if an accident is caused. In this case, a blood alcohol level of 0.3 is a criminal offense and the perpetrator can be prosecuted. To avoid this, it is better to push the bike when drunk.

1.6 per mil: How much can you drink up to this limit?

It is dishonest to state how much someone can drink before a certain level is reached. Finally, when calculating the blood alcohol level, many other factors such as weight, gender, size, amount of alcohol or alcohol habits must be taken into account.

By the way: the body needs a whole hour to break down 0.1 per thousand alcohol!

Cycling accidents under the influence of alcohol: Statistics

According to the General German Bicycle Club e.V. (ADFC), 3,725 accidents were registered in 2011 involving drunk cyclists. This means that a total of 5 percent of all cyclists involved in accidents had alcohol in their blood.

Criticism of the high alcohol limit for cyclists

The 1.6 alcohol limit for cyclists is set very high, which understandably causes a lot of criticism. Proponents argue that a bicycle cannot do as much damage as a car, which can quickly become a deadly "weapon" when drunk driving.

There is no question that a drunk driver poses a significantly greater risk to other road users than a drunk cyclist, but the cyclist is more likely to endanger himself. Therefore, in many places there are calls for a tightening of the regulation. Anyone who is not exactly used to alcohol should not be able to ride a bike with 1.6 per mille anyway. Even unlocking the bike lock, getting on the saddle or just finding the bike again should be very difficult with this blood alcohol level.

Alcohol limit for cyclists: What are the suggestions?

The ADFC's proposal is to adjust the alcohol limit for cyclists to 1.1 per mil to match that of absolute unfitness to drive for drivers. On the part of politics, no guideline has yet been given, but something could happen in this area in the future. However, harmonization of the blood alcohol limit for cyclists and motorists would also entail the risk that many intoxicated road users would immediately decide in favor of the car when in doubt. Incidentally, in Europe there are different alcohol limits for cyclists, some of which range from 0.0 to 0.8 per thousand. In Scandinavia, on the other hand, there is no limit for alcohol on the bike.

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