Drinking and driving

Introduction to the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a real threat to road safety in Switzerland.
Even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving ability, leading to serious accidents.
The effects of alcohol, such as reduced attention, blurred vision, increased reaction time, risk-taking and fatigue, must be taken very seriously by all drivers.

In Switzerland, legal alcohol limits for driving vary according to the category of driver.
New drivers, driving instructors and professional drivers have a zero per mille limit.
Experienced drivers have a limit of 0.5 ‰.
However, if the blood alcohol level is higher than 0.1 ‰, the driver risks sanctions if considered unfit to drive.

When drivers break the law on driving under the influence of alcohol in Switzerland, they risk serious legal consequences.
Depending on the seriousness of the offence, penalties can range from a fine to the withdrawal of a driver’s licence, or even imprisonment.
Drivers may also be held liable for damage caused to third parties in the event of an accident.

It’s important to note that alcohol is eliminated very slowly by the body, with only between 0.1 and 0.15 ‰ eliminated per hour.
Popular remedies such as coffee or pickles are not effective in speeding up the alcohol elimination process.
It is therefore recommended not to drink alcohol before driving.

In short, it is crucial that drivers understand the risks associated with driving under the influence of alcohol, and the serious legal consequences of this offence in Switzerland.
Drivers must respect legal alcohol limits, avoid driving after consuming alcohol, and be responsible for their own safety as well as that of other road users.

Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol

Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol in Switzerland are severe, and vary according to the driver’s blood alcohol level and past record.
The law defines three levels of severity for this offence.

For blood alcohol levels between 0.5 and 0.79 ‰, drivers risk a hefty fine or a simple warning.
However, in the event of a repeat offence after less than two years, or of committing another offence, the licence may be withdrawn for at least one month, with a fine or pecuniary penalty, or even a custodial sentence of up to three years.

For a blood alcohol level of 0.8 ‰ or more, the penalties are even more severe.
The license is immediately seized, and drivers risk having their license withdrawn for at least three months, accompanied by a fine or pecuniary penalty, as well as a custodial sentence of up to three years, suspended or not.

In the event of a repeat offence, the penalties are even more severe, with a longer minimum licence suspension period.
In some cases, the license may even be withdrawn indefinitely.
New drivers are subject to stricter rules.
If a driver’s license is withdrawn during the probationary period, the probationary period is automatically extended by one year, in addition to the above-mentioned sanctions.
If a second withdrawal of license occurs during this period, the probationary license is cancelled.

In conclusion, driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious offence in Switzerland.
Drivers need to be aware of the legal alcohol limits and the severe legal consequences that follow.
It is therefore essential to avoid driving after consuming alcohol, to protect their own safety and that of other road users.