Driving Offences in Germany: DUIs, Alcohol Limits and the Law

The amount of alcohol a driver can have in their system while driving differs depending on the situation. Similarly, the penalty also varies. Furthermore, it should also be noted that the amounts listed do not provide a person with “free rein” should they be caught driving dangerously. The amount of alcohol they have consumed will be considered – even if it is within the legal limits. Below listed are the boundaries when it comes to experienced drivers.

Regarding how many drinks these limits equate to can be difficult to say as individuals have different reactions to alcohol. Factors such as the amount of food consumed by the individual and their physical health also play a role. Generally, it is taken that a small (0.3ml) beer is roughly the equivalent of 0.3mg of alcohol per 100mm of blood.

Should a person be found driving dangerously, the amount of alcohol in their system will be considered – even if they are below the legal limit. A safe way to approach this issue is to avoid alcohol as much as possible or keep it to minimal amounts.

The figures presented above are for experienced drivers in a private setting. These limits are not in place in the example of professional drivers such as bus drivers. There is more expected from the driver in these cases, and there is less leeway presented to the driver.

Similarly, these limits are also not applicable for young drivers (those under the age of 21) and new drivers (those with their licence for 2 years or under) as they should have an alcohol limit of 0.0mg per 100ml of blood. Thus, even a small beer is too much in these cases. Alcohol should be avoided entirely for these groups of drivers.

Alcohol Limits in Germany: Table

There are many driving offences under German law with varying punishments attached to their breaching.

For example, one cannot drive under the influence of drugs. Should a person be caught with marijuana in their system, they may also face prosecution and a driving ban.

Otherwise, running a red light (depending on the circumstances) can also result in fines, a driving ban, and penalty points, as can violations on autobahns (motorways) and around railroad crossings. Using a mobile phone while driving can also result in penalty points and fines.

Furthermore, speeding violations come with potential sanctions. Depending on the excess speed travelled and the nature of the driving, one can face small fines of around €15 up to more severe penalties of €500 or more and driving bans.

Penalty points are one of how driving offences are regulated. In German, they are referred to as “Punkte in Flensburg” (points in Flensburg).

A driver can receive a maximum of three points for a single incident. Should a person have between one and three points on their licence, they are still in the “green zone” and not in danger of losing their licence. They will reduce the number of points on their licence at a rate of one point every two and a half years for administrative offences.

However, this reduced rate will be significantly increased should the person have received their points for criminal offences.

In contrast, where a person has four points or over, they will be considered in the “danger zone”. The danger, in this case, is that they may lose their licence, which occurs once they reach eight penalty points. Should a person reach eight penalty points, they will face a minimum of six months off the road and have to prove that they are fit to drive by undertaking tests to demonstrate this.

Drivers are in the “danger zone” of between four and seven points issues such as written warnings and driving fitness seminars also play a role.

The lawyers at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte advise our clients on all matters of driving offences in Germany. If you require professional legal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.