Drunk driving: The 6 biggest myths and their truths debunked!

Drunk driving: The 6 biggest myths and their truths debunked!

Road traffic is characterized by a multitude of rules that are often not sufficiently known. A new study by the ÖAMTC sheds light on popular misconceptions that accompany many road users in everyday life. The article shows how important it is to inform yourself about the current regulations in order to avoid legal consequences.

A common myth is that fatty foods protect you from alcohol test penalties. However, the ÖAMTC makes it clear that high-fat food only slows down gastric emptying, while alcohol gets into the blood more quickly. In addition, many people believe that you cannot be forced to take a breathalyzer test. In fact, refusing to be tested has serious consequences: the authorities then assume that you are under the influence of alcohol, which can result in serious penalties.

Drinking alcohol while driving

Another common misconception relates to cycling under the influence of alcohol. According to the ÖAMTC experts, up to a blood alcohol limit of 0.8 ‰ there is not only a risk of fines, but also the loss of your driving license. This regulation also applies to pedestrians who obstruct traffic. Even if the blood alcohol level is low, there can be legal consequences.

In Germany, tolerance for drinking alcohol while driving is very low. If you have a blood alcohol limit of 0.5, you can face fines and a driving ban. As the catalog of fines reports, the penalties for first-time and repeat offenders can increase significantly. A first-time offender with 0.5 per mille will receive a fine of 500 euros and a one-month driving ban. For repeated violations, penalties can include a driving ban of up to 3 months.

Alcohol limits and penalties

The alcohol limits vary and vary depending on the road user. There is a strict 0.0 blood alcohol limit for novice drivers who are in their probationary period. Anyone who drives conspicuously at 0.3 per mille must expect legal consequences. From 1.1 per mille, driving is considered a criminal offense, which results in the revocation of the driving license, as the ADAC information also confirmed.

• 0,0 Promille: Absolutes Alkoholverbot für Personen bis 21 Jahre und Fahranfänger in der Probezeit.
• 0,3 Promille: Beginn der relativen Fahruntüchtigkeit.
• 0,5 bis 1,09 Promille: Ordnungswidrigkeit, beim ersten Verstoß drohen 500 Euro Bußgeld, 2 Punkte und 1 Monat Fahrverbot.
• Ab 1,1 Promille: Absolute Fahruntüchtigkeit und strafbar.
• Ab 1,6 Promille: MPU (medizinisch-psychologische Untersuchung) erforderlich.

It is important to emphasize that even in alcohol-related accidents, motor vehicle liability insurance covers damage caused to other road users, but can claim back up to 5000 euros. Comprehensive insurance pays differently depending on how drunk you are. Repeat offenders face even more serious penalties, including imprisonment and a driver's license suspension.

Essentially, the ÖAMTC study shows how crucial it is to be informed about the responsible use of alcohol when driving. Questions about fines, driving bans and medical-psychological examinations can be clarified in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

For further information on the legal framework and the specific sanctions for drunk driving, we refer you to the detailed reports at this point Catalog of fines and des ADAC.