Alcohol, drugs, fatigue, distraction
Fit to drive – or not at all
Even a little alcohol has an effect
From about 0.3 ‰, concentration, vision and reaction already decline – while willingness to take risks rises. The treacherous part: you often still feel fine. As the level rises, tunnel vision, loss of balance and massive overconfidence follow.
The alcohol limits
- 0.0 ‰ during probation and for everyone under 21
- From 0.3 ‰ with signs of impairment or an accident: criminal offence
- From 0.5 ‰: €500, 2 points, 1‑month ban (first offence)
- From 1.1 ‰: absolute unfitness to drive – always a criminal offence
- From 1.6 ‰: medical‑psychological assessment (MPU)
Alcohol breakdown
Your body breaks down only about 0.1 ‰ per hour. Set how many hours have passed since drinking – and see how slowly the level falls. Only a rough guide: if in doubt, don't drive at all.
Educational rules of thumb, not a measurement of a vehicle.
Residual alcohol in the morning
Someone at 1.5 ‰ at 2 a.m. still has about 0.9 ‰ at 8 a.m. – far too much to drive. Coffee, exercise, a cold shower or sleep do not speed up the breakdown. Only time helps.
Cannabis and other drugs
- THC limit: 3.5 ng/ml in blood serum
- Above it: €500, 2 points, 1‑month ban
- Cannabis combined with alcohol: €1,000
- Probation and under 21: absolute cannabis ban when driving
- Other drugs: any trace in the blood is an offence
- Effects can last hours or even days
- Signs of impairment always risk criminal penalties
Medication: read the leaflet
Sleeping pills, sedatives, strong painkillers, some allergy tablets or cough syrups can seriously impair your ability to drive. Read the package leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist. Combined with alcohol, the effect is often stronger. You are responsible: if you are impaired, you must not drive.
Fatigue: the underrated passenger
Warning signs: yawning, heavy eyelids, staring, missed signs, weaving, shivering. A 3‑second microsleep at 100 km/h means about 83 m driving blind. An open window or loud music don't help. What helps: take a break, a 10–20 minute power nap – and a break at least every two hours.
Distraction and phones
- Holding a phone or tablet while driving: forbidden
- Offence: €100 and 1 point
- With danger to others: €150, 2 points, 1‑month ban
- Allowed: hands‑free and voice control with a brief glance
- A start‑stop pause does not count as “engine off”
- Looking away for 2 seconds at 50 km/h = about 28 m blind
Am I fit to drive today?
Anyone who cannot move safely in traffic due to physical or mental impairments may only drive if precautions are taken – such as glasses or a hearing aid. Fever, severe pain, grief, anger or stress can also make you unfit to drive. Before every trip, ask yourself honestly: am I fit today?
Remember: if you drive, don't drink
The only safe limit is 0.0 ‰. Plan ahead: who drives? Taxi, bus or stay overnight? And: never get into a car with someone who has been drinking or using cannabis.
You are 22 and in your probation period. Which alcohol limit applies to you?
- 0.0 ‰
- 0.3 ‰
- 0.5 ‰
Check answer
0.0 ‰
During probation, alcohol is completely banned – regardless of age. Offence: €250, 1 point, remedial course and extended probation.
What speeds up the breakdown of alcohol in the blood?
- Strong coffee
- Several hours of sleep
- None of these – only time
Check answer
None of these – only time
The breakdown runs at about 0.1 ‰ per hour and cannot be accelerated. Sleep only passes the time – it doesn't speed anything up.