German Polizei Corner: Don’t drink and drive

The safest way to keep your driver’s license is to remain sober while operating a vehicle. If you still choose to drink and drive, you are facing a risk eventually resulting in serious punishment. Below you will find the characterization for German alcohol limits.

“Promille” (per mill) means one tenth of a percent blood alcohol0,0 Promille:

For all drivers, ages 17 to 21, and newly licensed drivers of any age for the first two years.

0,3 Promille: Driving is illegal if the driver is showing changes in behavior or causes a traffic accident (Relative Fahruntüchtigkeit).

0,5 Promille: If driving with this blood alcohol limit, expect a €500 fine and one month suspension of driver’s license minimum.

1,1 Promille: Driving with a 1,1 blood alcohol limit is a criminal offense.

1,6 Promille: From this point on, it is forbidden to use a bicycle

Ways to avoid driving drunk:
• Get a designated driver.
• Drink at locations within walking distance of your home.
• Call a cab.
• Search for services that will take both you and your car home if you are drunk.
• Look for public transportation.
• Ask the bartender for help and let him know if you are the designated driver.
• Offer to pay for a cab or drive friends home if they are drunk.
• Drink non-alcoholic beverages.

Stay with your unit policies and drive safe!