Am I allowed to drive after one beer?
It depends on who you are — for a large share of drivers the limit is not 0.5, but 0.00. The general limit is 0.24 mg/l of breath (0.50 g/kg of blood), and even then only if the driver shows no signs of impaired behaviour (Article 105 ZPrCP). A full ban — 0.00 — applies to novice drivers, professional drivers, drivers of category C and D vehicles, those carrying dangerous goods or a group of children, driving instructors, learner drivers and accompanying persons. Fines: up to 0.24 mg/l with signs of impairment (or for the zero-limit group) 300 € and 4 points, 0.24–0.38 mg/l 600 € and 8 points, 0.38–0.52 mg/l 900 € and 16 points, over 0.52 mg/l 1,200 €, 18 points and loss of the licence. The myth that 'one beer is fine for everyone' fails twice: for this group one beer is already an offence, and for everyone else 0.5 is a measured level in the blood, not a number of drinks — half a litre of beer can push a lighter person over the line.
📋 The rules
- Zero limit 0.00 (Article 105 ZPrCP): novice drivers, professional drivers, drivers of categories C1, C, D1, D, BE, C1E, CE, D1E, DE, drivers of public transport, of dangerous goods or of a group of children, driving instructors, learners and accompanying persons may have no alcohol at all.
- The general limit for other drivers is 0.24 mg/l of breath or 0.50 g/kg of blood — but only if there are no signs of impaired behaviour; if signs of unsafe driving appear, a lower level is already punished.
- Fine bands: up to 0.24 mg/l with signs (or the zero group) 300 € + 4 points; 0.24–0.38 600 € + 8 points; 0.38–0.52 900 € + 16 points; over 0.52 mg/l 1,200 € + 18 points and loss of the licence.
- Refusing a breath test or a professional examination is punished as the worst band: at least 1,200 € and 18 penalty points plus temporary seizure of the licence — refusing gains you nothing and locks in the strictest penalty.
- Above 0.52 mg/l or on refusal the officer bans further driving and temporarily seizes the licence on the spot, and the driver may be held until sober (6 to 12 hours).
🔓 Exceptions
- A driver with a valid licence who is not in the zero group may drive after one beer if they are actually below 0.24 mg/l and show no signs of impairment — but half a litre of beer can already reach the limit, depending on body weight, sex and time, so 'one beer' is not guaranteed safe.
- The measured result is reduced by the device tolerance before any fine (typically 0.05 mg/l, more at higher readings) — you are punished on the corrected value, not the raw breathalyser reading.
- Cyclists, e-scooter riders and moped riders are also checked for alcohol; the general limit applies to them, while the zero group (for example a novice driver) stays at 0.00 regardless of the type of vehicle.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The range runs from 300 euros (the zero group, or signs of impairment below 0.24 mg/l) to at least 1,200 euros, 18 penalty points and loss of the licence for over 0.52 mg/l or for refusing the test, with bands of 4, 8 or 16 points in between. Sixteen or eighteen points is at or over the 18-point threshold that ends a regular driver's licence, while for a novice driver (7-point threshold) a single such offence sails past it. On the spot you face a ban on further driving, temporary seizure of the licence, and possible detention for up to 12 hours. A fatal crash under the influence of alcohol can be prosecuted as a criminal offence, and the insurer will normally seek recovery (regres) of paid-out damages from the drunk driver — so the cost multiplies far beyond the fine itself.
📎 Official sources
- PISRS · statute register (Road Traffic Rules Act, Article 105) →
- AVP · Traffic Safety Agency (alcohol) →
- Police · content on driving under the influence →
❓ Frequently asked
What alcohol level may I have as a novice driver?
None. A novice driver is in the zero group under Article 105 ZPrCP and may have no alcohol in the blood. A level of up to 0.24 mg/l already means a fine of 300 euros and 4 penalty points, and higher levels fall into the regular, much stricter bands.
Is the general 0.5 limit guaranteed safe?
No. The 0.50 g/kg limit is a measured level in the blood, not a number of drinks, and a lower level is punished if the driver shows signs of impairment. Half a litre of beer can push a lighter person over the line, so 'one beer' is not universally safe.
What happens if I refuse the breath test?
Refusing the test or the professional examination is punished as the worst band: at least 1,200 euros, 18 penalty points and temporary seizure of the licence. Refusing therefore does not improve your position, it locks in the strictest penalty the law provides.
Does the alcohol limit also apply to bikes and e-scooters?
Yes. The general limit applies to cyclists and e-scooter riders, while people in the zero group must be at 0.00 regardless of the vehicle. 'I was only on a bike' is no defence, since the police test cyclists too and issue fines.
When is the licence taken on the spot?
Usually above 0.52 mg/l of breath or 1.10 g/kg of blood, or on refusal, when the officer bans further driving and temporarily seizes the licence. The driver may also be held until sober, typically for 6 to 12 hours, before being released.
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