Can I drive after drinking in Switzerland?
It depends on the level — driving with residual alcohol is allowed only under 0.5‰. The general limit is 0.5‰. For novice drivers (probationary licence), professional drivers, learners, instructors and accompanying persons it's 0.1‰ (effectively zero). Between 0.5 and 0.79‰ there's a warning and a fine of around CHF 600–800. From 0.8‰ you face a licence withdrawal of at least 3 months plus a heavy, income-based penalty (day-fines). For novices, a single breach of the 0.1‰ limit extends the probation and withdraws the licence. The basis is the Road Traffic Act (SVG). In short: only under 0.5‰ — and zero for novices.
📋 The rules
- General limit 0.5‰
- Novice/professional drivers: 0.1‰
- 0.5–0.79‰: warning + fine ~CHF 600–800
- From 0.8‰: licence withdrawal min 3 months
- Penalty from 0.8‰: income-based day-fines
🔓 Exceptions
- Novices: probation +1 year and withdrawal on a breach
- Second at-least-medium offence: probationary licence annulled
- Applies by analogy to bikes and e-scooters too
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Between 0.5 and 0.79‰ there's a warning and a fine of around CHF 600–800. From 0.8‰ comes a licence withdrawal of at least 3 months plus an income-based monetary penalty in day-fines, and imprisonment in serious cases. For novices, a breach extends the probation by a year and withdraws the probationary licence; a second at-least-medium offence annuls it (re-sit the test). Beware a myth: "a beer or two is safely fine" is not reliable — even a little alcohol can put you over 0.5‰. Tip: if in doubt, don't drive.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
What's the alcohol limit?
The general limit is 0.5 per mille. For novice drivers with a probationary licence, professional drivers, learners, instructors and accompanying persons, a lower limit of 0.1 per mille applies, which effectively amounts to a ban on alcohol at the wheel for them.
What happens between 0.5 and 0.8 per mille?
In this range there's usually a warning and a fine of around CHF 600 to 800, provided there are no further offences or endangerment. Repeat breaches and higher readings lead to stricter measures, up to and including withdrawal of the driving licence.
What do I face from 0.8 per mille?
From 0.8 per mille you face a licence withdrawal of at least three months plus an income-based monetary penalty in day-fines. In serious cases or with endangerment, imprisonment is also possible. The consequences are far more severe than just a fine at this level.
What applies to novice drivers?
Novice drivers are subject to the 0.1 per mille limit. Even one breach usually extends the probation by a year and withdraws the probationary licence. On a second at-least-medium offence, the probationary licence is annulled and the driving test must be taken again.
Does this apply to cycling too?
Yes, by analogy. The 0.5 per mille limit also applies on a bicycle and e-scooter, and lower for certain groups. Riding under significant alcohol influence is penalised there too, with fines and, depending on the case, further consequences for your licence in motorised traffic.
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