Fahren mit Auto
Alcohol limit in Switzerland: the risks of drink-driving
Driving after drinking too much alcohol is illegal in Switzerland. Comparis explains the permitted limits and the consequences of breaking the law.
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1. How high is your blood alcohol level allowed to be while driving a vehicle?
Safety is a top priority in road traffic. For this reason: driving under the influence of alcohol is absolutely taboo.
The law states:
The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers of cars and motorcycles is 0.5 parts per thousand. This means that a blood alcohol level of 0.49 parts per thousand is permitted.
People with a provisional driving licence and professional drivers are strictly prohibited from drinking any alcohol and driving.
Alcohol limits also apply in foreign countries. However, there are different rules depending on the country. The article on fines in Europe provides you with an overview of the alcohol limits in various countries.
2. How much alcohol would make me unfit to drive?
People respond differently to alcohol depending on their gender, age, weight and height. In any case, even small amounts of alcohol affect a person’s perception and increase the risk of accidents.
The legal tolerance limit is quickly exceeded. For example: if a man weighing 90kg drinks two cups of mulled wine, his blood alcohol level will already be 0.5 parts per thousand. In other words, this means he is no longer allowed to drive.
The effects of alcohol: differences between men and women
The blood alcohol level increases faster in women than it does in men. This is because in most cases, women have a higher body fat percentage and a lower body water percentage. When alcohol is dispersed in a lower volume of water, the alcohol level rises quicker.
Women also have lower amounts of the enzyme ADH. That’s why they break down alcohol more slowly than men.
After consuming alcohol: when can I drive again?
On average, the human body breaks down approximately 0.1 parts per thousand per hour. This process can’t be accelerated. If you go to bed after drinking a large amount of alcohol, you can expect to have elevated blood alcohol levels in the morning. Therefore, you may not be allowed to drive a car yet.
3. What are the legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol?
Drunk-driving poses a serious risk to road safety. Anyone caught driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol during a police check should expect serious legal consequences.
Blood alcohol level table
| Less than 0.5 parts per thousand (<0.25mg/l) | No penalty – you are allowed to continue driving. This does not apply to people who are subject to an alcohol ban, such as new drivers and professional drivers. |
|---|---|
| 0.5–0.79 parts per thousand (0.25–0.39mg/l) | Minor offences Have you not broken any other traffic rules and otherwise have a clean record? If so, you can expect a fine and a warning according to the law. |
| From 0.8 parts per thousand (>0.39mg/l) | Serious offences There is a risk of a large fine or a prison sentence of up to three years. Your driving licence will be revoked for at least three months. |
In the case of serious offences (from 0.8 parts per thousand) or repeat offenders, the following consequences should also be expected:
Suspended driving licence
Entry in the criminal record
Insurance consequences: higher premiums or reduced benefits
Serious consequences in the event of a repeat offence
The penalties are much harsher for repeat offenders. Any driving bans will also be considerably longer. Your licence may even be revoked indefinitely.
4. Drink-driving: how alcohol checks work
The police carry out roadside alcohol checks. You will be stopped on the road and must follow the instructions provided by the police officers.
The test is usually carried out by means of a breath test. In addition, “evidential breath testing devices” are increasingly being used.
Here’s how the test works: you blow into the mouthpiece of the testing device for at least five seconds. The device will then show how much alcohol is in your breath.
Good to know: blood samples are only taken in exceptional cases – such as in the case of serious accidents or suspected drug use. However, the person being tested can request a blood sample themselves. This will cost around 400 francs.
5. Strict drinking ban for new drivers and professional drivers
Do you have a provisional driving licence? If so, you are subject to a strict ban on drinking alcohol when driving. This also applies to professional drivers.
The limit is 0.1 part per thousand. So a certain tolerance is permitted. This is because certain foods, such as fruits, cause your blood alcohol level to rise very slightly.
Be aware, however, that when consuming foods containing alcohol, such as certain chocolates, the value can quickly jump to 0.1 parts per thousand or higher. For this reason, new drivers and professional drivers should steer clear of foods containing alcohol.
Consequences for new drivers
Are you a new driver and have you been tested with a blood alcohol level of at least 0.1 parts per thousand? If so, you can expect the following additional measures in addition to the standard legal sanctions:
If the driving licence is being revoked for the first time, the probationary period will be extended by one year.
If the driving licence is being revoked for a second offence, the driver will lose their provisional driving licence. A new driving licence can be applied for no earlier than one year after the original licence was revoked. The driver will also be required to undergo and pass a psychological assessment of fitness to drive.
6. Am I insured if I’m involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol?
Anyone who causes an accident under the influence of alcohol is considered to be acting with gross negligence and can expect far-reaching legal consequences.
In addition, there may also be claims for legal regress from liability insurance, casco insurance or accident insurance providers. In other words, insurance providers can demand money back from you and cut your benefits. Depending on the damage caused, this can quickly add up to very large amounts of money.
Some car insurers offer gross negligence cover for an additional charge. However, this cover does not apply if the insured person is under the influence of alcohol, and/or drugs, or has committed serious speeding offences.
This article was first published on 20.08.2021
