Can I have one beer and drive?
No — Slovakia has zero tolerance, meaning 0.0‰. This is not "a limit you can stay under": any detected alcohol is a breach. All that then remains is how far you went over. Up to roughly 1.0‰ (0.48 mg/l) it is an administrative offence: a fine of typically €200 to €1,000 and a driving ban of up to 5 years. At 1.0‰ and above it becomes a criminal offence of endangerment under the influence of an addictive substance under § 289 of the Criminal Code. For a first offence with no crash, courts typically impose a suspended sentence of 6–12 months with a probation period of 12–24 months. New from 1 May 2026: the alcohol ban also covers a passenger who actively influences the driving — with a fine of up to €650.
📋 The rules
- Zero tolerance — the permitted level is 0.0‰
- Up to 1.0‰: an offence, fined €200–1,000
- A driving ban of up to 5 years
- From 1.0‰: a criminal offence under § 289
- From 1 May 2026: also a passenger ban, up to €650
🔓 Exceptions
- The passenger ban applies only to one who actively influences the driving
- In administrative proceedings the passenger fine can reach €800
- An immediate custodial sentence follows a repeat, or a crash with consequences
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The 1.0‰ line changes everything. Below it the act is an offence: a fine of €200–1,000 and a driving ban of up to 5 years. Above it it is a crime under § 289 — a prosecution, a criminal record, and for a first act with no crash typically a suspended sentence of 6–12 months with 12–24 months' probation. An immediate custodial sentence follows a repeat or a crash with consequences. Then there is insurance: drive under the influence and the insurer pursues a recourse claim against you, while comprehensive cover need not pay at all. "Residual" alcohol from the night before counts exactly the same.
📎 Official sources
- Slov-Lex · Criminal Code (§ 289) →
- Slov-Lex · Road Traffic Act (Act 8/2009) →
- Ministry of the Interior · Traffic police →
❓ Frequently asked
How much alcohol may I have at the wheel?
None. Slovakia applies zero tolerance, so the permitted level is 0.0‰. There is no limit you can stay under — all that matters is how far above zero you are, and whether that makes it an offence or a crime.
When does it become a criminal offence?
At 1.0‰ and above. It is then the crime of endangerment under the influence of an addictive substance under § 289 of the Criminal Code. Below that line it remains an administrative offence, though with a substantial fine and a ban.
What is the fine for the offence?
Typically €200 to €1,000, together with a driving ban of up to five years. The exact figure depends on the reading and the circumstances — whether you caused a crash, and whether it is a repeat.
What happens on a first criminal offence?
For a first act with no crash, courts typically impose a suspended sentence of 6 to 12 months with a probation period of 12 to 24 months. An immediate custodial sentence follows a repeat or a crash with consequences.
Does the ban cover passengers?
From 1 May 2026, yes — but only a passenger who actively influences the driving. The on-the-spot fine can reach €650, and up to €800 in administrative proceedings.
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