Can I drive after drinking in Austria?
Only under 0.5‰ — and for some drivers not at all. The general limit is 0.5‰ blood alcohol. For probationary licence holders and lorry and bus drivers, the limit is 0.1‰. From 0.5 to 0.79‰ you face a fine of €300 to €3,700 and an entry (Vormerkung) in the licence register (licence kept on a first offence). From 0.8‰ the licence is withdrawn (at least 1 month) plus traffic coaching. From 1.6‰, or for refusing the breath test, you face €1,600–€5,900, at least 6 months' withdrawal and re-training. In short: under 0.5, otherwise costly.
📋 The rules
- General limit: 0.5‰
- Probationary & professional drivers: 0.1‰
- 0.5–0.79‰: €300–€3,700 + register entry
- From 0.8‰: licence withdrawn (1 month+)
- Refusing the test = top penalty band
🔓 Exceptions
- Refusing the breath test = treated as 1.6‰+
- 'Morning-after' residual alcohol counts — breakdown only ~0.1‰/hour
- From 0.8‰ the insurer can claw back up to €11,000
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Fines rise in bands: 0.5–0.79‰ = €300–€3,700 + register entry; 0.8–1.19‰ = from €800 + at least 1 month's withdrawal + traffic coaching (€100); 1.2–1.59‰ = €1,200–€4,400 + at least 4 months' withdrawal + re-training; from 1.6‰ or refusal = €1,600–€5,900, at least 6 months' withdrawal, re-training (~€500) plus a medical and traffic-psychology assessment. Three register-entry offences in two years = at least 3 months' withdrawal. Beware a myth: "coffee or a hearty breakfast sobers you up faster" is false — only time breaks alcohol down (~0.1‰/hour). Tip: if in doubt don't drive, including the morning after.
📎 Official sources
- ÖAMTC · alcohol at the wheel →
- oesterreich.gv.at · licence / alcohol →
- oesterreich.gv.at · demerit system →
❓ Frequently asked
What's the drink-drive limit in Austria?
The general limit is 0.5‰ blood alcohol. For people with a probationary licence, and for lorry and bus drivers, a stricter limit of 0.1‰ applies. Driving over the limit is an administrative offence, with a fine and, depending on the level, withdrawal of your licence.
What happens between 0.5 and 0.8‰?
In this band you face a fine of €300 to €3,700 and an entry in the licence register. It's one of the register-entry offences. On a first offence you usually keep your licence; on a repeat within two years it can be withdrawn.
When is the licence withdrawn?
From 0.8‰, your driving entitlement is withdrawn for at least a month, plus mandatory traffic coaching. As the level rises, the withdrawal lengthens — from 1.6‰ to at least six months — and re-training, a medical and a traffic-psychology assessment are added.
What if I refuse the breath test?
Refusing the breathalyser is treated as the most severe band, i.e. as if you were over 1.6‰. That means a high fine of €1,600 to €5,900, licence withdrawal for at least six months, and compulsory re-training and assessments.
Am I still affected the morning after?
Yes. The body breaks alcohol down only slowly, about 0.1‰ per hour. After a heavy night you can still be well over the limit in the morning. Neither coffee nor food nor sleep speeds up the breakdown — only time helps.
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