Alcohol Legislation
UK Driving Limits (excluding Scotland) for a standard driving license and vehicle.
The legal alcohol limit in the UK varies in different parts of the UK and also by occupation. Professional drivers are subject to lower legal alcohol limits.
In England the legal alcohol limits for car drivers on a standard driving license are as follows:
- Blood Test - 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres, 80mg/ml, 0.08 BAC, 0.8 Promille
- Breath Test - 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath BrAC
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Drink drive limits for professional drivers and operatives in UK
- Blood test - 20 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres, 20mg/ml, 0.02 BAC, 0.2 Promille
- Breath test - 9 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath (BrAC)
Under the Railways Transportation Safety Bill, the UK government introduced lower drink drive limits for those working in the transport industry.
The drink drive limit for professional drivers and operatives is just 0.02% - one quarter the UK Drink-Drive limit of 0.08% and the lowest detectable level possible allowing for the residual levels that can exist in anyone whether they've been drinking or not.
The lower drink drive limits in UK also apply to pilots, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, aircraft engineers, train drivers, and commercial seamen.
Scotland drink driving legal alcohol limit
Scotland lowered its drink drive limit for drivers on a normal driving license from 0.08%BAC to 0.05%BAC on 5th December 2014.
The limit for professional drivers in Scotland is still 0.02%BAC.
EU drink driving limits (normal full vehicle license unless stated)
Most western European countries, although not all, have a drink drive limit of 0.05, the same as Scotland. It is important to note that many of many of the eastern European countries have a zero tolerance.
Belgium 0.05%BAC
Bulgaria 0.05%BAC
Czech Republic Zero
Denmark 0.05%BAC (0.00 is driving unsafely)
Estonia 0.019%BAC
Finland 0.05%BAC
France 0.05%BAC (0.08%BAC = aggravated)
Germany 0.05%BAC. The level is lower if the driver is involved in an accident. The level is 0.00 if a driver is under age 21 or if had license less than 2 years
Greece 0.05%BAC (0.02 license <2 years)
Hungary Zero
Ireland 0.05%BAC 0.02% for learner drivers, newly qualified drivers ( ie license less than 2 yrs and professional drivers, and those who do not have their driving license on them.
Italy 0.05%BAC (zero license <3 years)
Latvia 0.05%BAC (0.02 license < 2 years)
Lithuania 0.04%BAC (0.02 license <2 years)
Luxembourg 0.05%BAC (0.02 license <2 years or for professional drivers)
Malta 0.08%BAC
Netherlands 0.05%BAC (0.02 license <5 years)
Poland 0.02%BAC (0.05 = aggravated)
Portugal 0.05%BAC
Romania zero
Scotland 0.05%BAC
Slovakia zero
Slovenia 0.24%BAC (0.00 license < 2 years)
Spain 0.05%BAC (0.03 license <2 years)
Sweden 0.02 (0.10 = aggravated)
Switzerland 0.05% BAC
United Kingdom 0.08%BAC for England & Wales & Northern Ireland (0.02%BAC for professional drivers). Scotland has reduced the limit to 0.05% BAC ( legislation became effective from 5 December 2014) Northern Ireland has just undergone a public consultation regarding its drink drive limits and it is likely they will be reduced to 0.05% in the near future.
Ukraine 0.00%BAC
All these levels are subject to regular review and change, please check with the country for current legislation in operation before travelling. The levels are also lower for professional drivers in many countries, and also lower for inexperienced and young drivers. Switzerland for example has a zero tolerance policy for drivers that have had their license for under 3 years.
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What is the legal alcohol limit for driving in the UK?
The legal alcohol limit in the UK is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 50mg in Scotland. Breath limits are 35µg and 22µg respectively.
How many drinks can you have and still drive in the UK?
here is no guaranteed safe number of drinks. Alcohol affects individuals differently depending on body weight, metabolism, and food intake.
Can I drive the morning after drinking alcohol?
Yes, but only if your alcohol level is below the legal limit. Alcohol can stay in your system for many hours, and you may still be over the limit the next day.
How long does alcohol stay in your system UK?
On average, the body processes about one unit of alcohol per hour. However, this varies based on age, gender, weight, and overall health.
What happens if you are caught drink driving in the UK?
Penalties dor drink driving in the UK can include a driving ban, unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, and a criminal record. Penalties may be more severe if you are involved in an accident.
What is the drink drive limit in Scotland compared to England?
Scotland has a stricter limit of 50mg per 100ml of blood, compared to 80mg in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Are home breathalysers accurate in the UK?
Home breathalysers can give a useful indication of alcohol levels, but they are not as accurate as police-grade breathalyser devices.
Can you refuse a breathalyser test in the UK?
No. Refusing to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample to the police is a criminal offence and can result in penalties similar to drink driving.
Is there a zero alcohol limit for any drivers in the UK?
There is no official zero limit, but the legal alcohol limit for professional drivers, such as HGV drivers, bus drivers, taxi drivers, and other drivers of large or passenger vehicles, is significantly lower than for regular drivers at 20 mg per 100ml blood or 10 µg per 100ml breath, which is effectively an almost zero limit.
What is the safest way to avoid drink driving?
The safest option is not to drink any alcohol if you plan to drive. Alternatively, use a reliable alcohol testing device before driving, and if you are unsure always err on the side of caution and don't drive.