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In many European countries the legal blood alcohol limit is lower than the 0.5‰ you may be used to, and driving with too little rest can be just as dangerous as drink-driving. From 0.2‰ in Spain to zero tolerance in Hungary, the differences are big and the fines substantial. Do you want to enjoy your trip safely and without hassle? Then it’s time to really get to know the rules.
Why alcohol rules differ by country
Most Western and Central European countries apply a drink-drive limit of 0.5‰ (the amount of alcohol in the blood per litre) for drivers. This is the case in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece. Roughly speaking, this limit equals about one alcoholic drink, but that varies per person, body weight and sex.
If you don’t read up properly beforehand, you risk some nasty surprises. Traffic rules for driving abroad often differ from what you are used to. In Northern and Eastern Europe the standards are noticeably stricter. Poland, Sweden and Norway allow a maximum of 0.2‰. Countries such as Hungary, Czechia and Slovakia even apply zero tolerance, which means you are not allowed to have drunk any alcohol at all.
In 2025 Spain tightened its drink-drive limit from 0.5 to 0.2 grams of alcohol per litre of blood. These stricter limits are part of a broader European trend, with the European Parliament aiming for zero tolerance in all member states. For you as a traveller, this means you cannot rely on one single rule, but have to check the situation for each country.
‘ If you’re travelling with several drivers, it’s sensible to check in advance who falls under which limit according to local legislation. ’
Stricter rules for novice drivers
In addition to the general limits, many countries have tighter rules for young and inexperienced drivers. In France and the Netherlands the limit for drivers with less than five years’ experience is 0.2‰. In Belgium this stricter limit applies to professional drivers.
Age also plays a role. Italy applies zero tolerance for drivers younger than 21, while Croatia applies this rule up to the age of 25. If you’re travelling with several drivers, it’s sensible to check in advance who falls under which limit according to local legislation.
The consequences of an offence
The fines for drink-driving vary greatly from country to country. In Belgium, foreign drivers who are caught driving under the influence from 1 January 2025 onwards must immediately pay a deposit of 1,260 euros. This amount includes the minimum fine and court costs. From 0.5 milligrams per litre or higher, the driving licence is also immediately revoked for fifteen days.
France has a tiered fines system. With a blood alcohol content between 0.5 and 0.8‰ you receive a minimum fine of 135 euros, with a possible suspension of up to three years. At more than 0.8‰, fines can rise to 4,500 euros, and your licence is confiscated for at least 72 hours. These measures are not only expensive, they can disrupt your entire trip.
Do you have to take breathalysers with you to France?
Until recently it was compulsory in France to have breathalyser tests in your car. This requirement has now been scrapped, but they are still recommended. Such a test is a handy tool. You can decide for yourself whether it’s safe to get behind the wheel again after a meal or drinks during your trip.
Breathalyser tests are available at service stations, pharmacies and online. Do check the expiry date and store them in a cool, dry place. They are relatively cheap and can save you a lot of trouble. Even in countries other than France such a test can be useful to check yourself before you set off.
‘ Coffee, water or going for a walk won’t help speed up this process. ’
How quickly does your body break down alcohol?
A common mistake is to think that alcohol leaves your system quickly enough for you to be able to drive again after a few hours. The reality is different. Women break down on average 0.085 to 0.10 grams per litre of alcohol per hour, men 0.10 to 0.15 grams per litre.
This means that after three glasses of wine or beer you will easily need five to eight hours before your blood alcohol content drops below the limit. Coffee, water or going for a walk won’t help speed up this process. So if you drink alcohol, always allow plenty of time before driving again, or choose an alternative such as a taxi or public transport.
Fatigue is just as dangerous as alcohol
Besides alcohol, fatigue is a serious risk in traffic. Anyone who drives long distances without enough breaks greatly increases the chance of accidents. Fatigue reduces your reaction time, concentration and judgement, in a way comparable to the effects of alcohol.
It is recommended to take a break of at least fifteen minutes every two hours. Driving for more than ten hours a day increases the risk of errors. So plan your route in advance and take rest stops into account. Especially on road trips through several countries it is wise to plan realistic stages instead of trying to do everything in one go.
Recognising signs of fatigue
Typical signs of fatigue behind the wheel are:
- Frequent yawning and heavy eyelids
- Difficulty concentrating on the road
- Unintentionally drifting out of your lane
- Missing road signs or exits
- Irritability and restlessness
Do you recognise these signs? Then pull over immediately at a safe place and rest. A short power nap of twenty minutes can work wonders. Never try to just keep driving in the hope that it will pass on its own.
Driving and rest times for private travellers
Within the EU, professional drivers are subject to strict rules on driving and rest times. As a private traveller you are not legally bound by these, but it is wise to follow similar guidelines. This helps prevent dangerous situations caused by overtiredness.
As a rule of thumb, after four to five hours of driving, take a longer break of thirty to sixty minutes. On longer journeys, if possible, alternate with a fellow traveller who can also drive. Plan overnight stays so that you set off well rested, especially if you have an early start or a late arrival.
‘ And remember the most important rule: if in doubt, don’t drive. ’
Practical tips for a safe trip
With the right preparation you can avoid many problems on the road. Check the specific drink-drive limits for each country in advance and take them seriously. Even one drink can be too much in some countries, depending on your body weight and sex.
Consider alternatives if you want to drink alcohol. Use a taxi, public transport or ask a sober family member or friend to drive. Plan your route with enough rest stops and be realistic about how many kilometres you want to cover per day. Also bear in mind that police checks in border areas and tourist regions can be frequent.
Pack a breathalyser test if you are travelling to France or other countries where they are recommended. You can also download an app that reminds you to take breaks or estimates your blood alcohol level based on what you’ve had to drink. And remember the most important rule: if in doubt, don’t drive.
Discover more about travelling safely
On the Traveler Tips website you’ll find extensive information on traffic rules, toll roads and parking regulations. Other practical matters for your driving holiday are also covered. Whether you’re heading for Southern Europe or planning a road trip through Scandinavia, we’ll help you with reliable tips to keep your journey smooth and safe. Prepare properly for your next adventure with Traveler Tips.
Frequently asked questions
In most popular road trip countries in Western and Central Europe (including the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Croatia, Finland, Greece) a general drink-drive limit of 0.5‰ applies, often reduced to 0.2‰ for novice or professional drivers. In countries such as Poland, Sweden and Norway the limit is 0.2‰. Hungary, Czechia and Slovakia apply zero tolerance (0.0‰). Spain has recently tightened its limit to 0.2‰.
Plan your driving times so that you drive for a maximum of 2 hours at a stretch and then take at least a 15-minute break, and limit your total driving time per day to around 8 to 10 hours. Try to avoid demanding journeys (at night, in rush hour, in bad weather) when you are already tired and, if possible, alternate with a second driver. Check the specific rules on driving and rest times for the country in advance (or the EU rules if you drive internationally), for example on government websites or via transport organisations, and make sure your tachograph or journey log is aligned with them. Stick strictly to these legal maximums and minimums, even if you still feel fit, both to comply with the rules and to prevent creeping fatigue.
In many European countries, drink-driving from around 0.5‰ leads to a fine, temporary withdrawal or suspension of the driving licence and, at higher levels, even criminal prosecution; in France, for example, this can rise to €4,500 and a driving ban of up to 3 years, and in Belgium as a foreign driver you must immediately pay a deposit of at least €1,260. In countries with stricter rules or zero tolerance (such as Hungary, Czechia, Poland, Sweden, Norway) fines and licence confiscation already apply at very low or zero levels. In the event of accidents involving alcohol, this can in almost all countries lead to (more serious) criminal prosecution, high compensation claims and sometimes prison sentences. Driving while severely overtired is usually less explicitly regulated than alcohol, but can – especially in the event of an accident – still lead to similar legal consequences, because the driver is then regarded as negligent or careless.
For train passengers there are generally no specific drink rules other than general public order and safety rules (no nuisance, no public drunkenness, and sometimes a ban on open cans/bottles), but these can differ per rail company or country. For transporting alcohol in the car across borders within the EU, the principle of free movement of goods applies, as long as it is clearly for private use and you stay within the quantities that a country considers normal for personal consumption. If there is any doubt (with large quantities), a country may regard it as commercial import and demand excise duty or extra formalities. In addition, you are always bound by the drink-drive limits of the country in which you are driving.