Drink-driving laws vary significantly around the world. While 0.08% BAC is the legal limit in several countries, many nations have adopted stricter thresholds — some with complete zero-tolerance policies. Here is a comprehensive overview of BAC limits across regions.
A legal BAC limit defines the maximum blood alcohol concentration at which a person is permitted to operate a motor vehicle. Driving at or above this limit is a criminal or administrative offence in most jurisdictions.
Many countries apply reduced limits for specific groups:
0.04% for commercial drivers; zero tolerance (0.00–0.02%) for under-21 in most states. Utah has a 0.05% limit.
Criminal Code limit. Most provinces also have administrative penalties starting at 0.05%.
Varies by state. Mexico City has a strict 0.04% limit.
Scotland has a lower limit of 0.05%. One of the highest limits in Europe.
0.00% for drivers under 21 and newly licensed drivers (first 2 years).
0.02% for drivers with less than 3 years of experience.
One of the strictest limits in Europe. Aggravated offence at 0.10%.
Strict enforcement with severe penalties including imprisonment.
0.02–0.05% is a misdemeanor; above 0.05% is a criminal offence.
0.00% for drivers under 21 and professional drivers.
0.03% for novice drivers (first 2 years) and commercial drivers.
Absolute zero tolerance. Any detectable alcohol is an offence.
Absolute zero tolerance for all drivers.
Zero tolerance. Criminal offence above 0.08%.
0.00% for learner and provisional drivers. Varies slightly by state.
0.00% for drivers under 20.
Strict penalties. Passengers of drunk drivers can also be penalized.
Lowered from 0.05% in 2019. License revocation at 0.08%.
0.02–0.08% is drink-driving; above 0.08% is drunk-driving (criminal offence).
Enforced under the Motor Vehicles Act. Penalties vary by state.
0.02% for drivers under 20 and motorcycle riders in some areas.
Zero tolerance since 2012 ('Lei Seca'). Any detectable alcohol is an offence.
0.02% for motorcycle riders and commercial drivers. 0.00% in some provinces.
0.03–0.08% is 'under the influence'; above 0.08% is 'drunk driving' (criminal).
Strictly enforced with vehicle impounding and license suspension.
0.02% for professional drivers. High road fatality rates linked to drink-driving.
Zero tolerance. Alcohol-related driving offences can lead to deportation for expats.
Alcohol consumption is prohibited entirely.
Enforcement varies. Breathalyzer testing is becoming more common.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a BAC limit of 0.05% or lower for all drivers. The global trend is clearly toward stricter limits:
Research consistently shows that lowering BAC limits reduces alcohol-related road fatalities. Countries that moved from 0.08% to 0.05% have seen reductions of 5–10% in fatal crashes.
Legal BAC limits are subject to change and may vary by jurisdiction within a country. Always check current local laws before driving. This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The safest option is always to not drive after drinking.