Legal BAC Limits by Country
Blood alcohol content (BAC) limits for drivers vary widely across the world — from zero-tolerance in Brazil and the Czech Republic to 0.08% in the United States. Below is a grouped reference of 22 countries, current for 2026.
Zero Tolerance (0.00%)
Any detectable alcohol is an offense. Even cough syrup or mouthwash residue can trigger a violation.
Brazil
0.00%Zero tolerance for all drivers.
Czech Republic
0.00%Zero tolerance; strict enforcement.
Hungary
0.00%Zero tolerance; applies to cyclists too.
Strict Limits (0.02% – 0.035%)
About one drink over an hour can push many people above these limits. Designed to deter casual drinking before driving.
China
0.02%≥ 0.08% is a criminal offense carrying jail time.
Norway
0.02%Heavy fines and license suspension above the limit.
Poland
0.02%0.02–0.05% treated as a misdemeanor; above 0.05% is criminal.
Sweden
0.02%One of the strictest limits in Europe.
India
0.03%Enforcement and penalties vary by state.
Japan
0.03%Strict enforcement; passengers can also be prosecuted.
South Korea
0.03%License suspension at 0.03%; revocation at 0.08%.
Russia
0.035%Measured by breathalyzer (0.16 mg/L breath).
Moderate Limits (0.05%)
The European and international norm. Typical penalty thresholds are 0.05% for license suspension and 0.08% for criminal charges.
Australia
0.05%0.00% for learner and provisional drivers.
France
0.05%0.02% for novice drivers (first 3 years).
Germany
0.05%0.00% for novice drivers (first 2 years) and drivers under 21.
New Zealand
0.05%0.00% for drivers under 20 years old.
South Africa
0.05%0.02% for professional drivers.
UK (Scotland)
0.05%Lower than the rest of the UK since 2014.
Relaxed Limits (0.08%)
The highest limits worldwide, used by the US, UK (England/Wales), Canada, and a few others. Many jurisdictions apply stricter sub-limits.
Canada
0.08%0.04% warning range in some provinces with admin penalties.
Mexico
0.08%State-level limits vary; some are stricter.
Singapore
0.08%Severe penalties including imprisonment for repeat offenders.
UK (England & Wales)
0.08%Highest limit in Europe; unchanged since 1967.
United States
0.08%0.04% for commercial drivers; 0.00–0.02% for drivers under 21.
Special Rules That Override the Standard Limit
Most countries impose stricter BAC limits on certain categories of drivers. If any of the following apply to you, your actual limit is probably lower than the standard one shown above.
Novice & Probationary Drivers
Germany, France, Italy, Australia and New Zealand enforce 0.00% or 0.02% for drivers in their first 2–3 years regardless of age.
Commercial & Professional Drivers
Truck, bus and taxi operators typically face stricter limits — 0.04% in the US, 0.02% in South Africa, 0.00% in many EU countries.
Drivers Under Legal Drinking Age
Most US states enforce 0.00 – 0.02% for drivers under 21. New Zealand applies 0.00% to all drivers under 20.
Aggravated / Enhanced Penalties
Many jurisdictions add harsher penalties above 0.15% or 0.20% — mandatory jail time, longer suspensions, ignition interlock requirements.
Always verify current laws in your jurisdiction. This page is a summary — it is not legal advice and limits can change.
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