European countries are considering stricter drink driving laws, with Germany, Spain and France among those examining tighter alcohol limits as governments seek to improve road safety.
The debate is gaining momentum across the continent, with some countries considering limits so low that even a small amount of alcohol before driving could result in penalties.
The changes are not a Europe-wide ban on alcohol before driving. However, several countries are reviewing their rules, while others already enforce zero tolerance for certain categories of drivers.
Spain moves to lower drink driving limit
Spain is among the countries pursuing a significant change. A proposal backed by the Spanish Socialist parliamentary group would introduce a single limit of 0.2 grams of alcohol per litre of blood for all drivers, replacing the current higher limit for most motorists.
Read more: Greeks work longer than most of Europe — and still produce less per hour
The Spanish Congress voted to begin processing the proposal on September 29, 2026. It still has to pass through the legislative process before becoming law. Congreso de los Diputados+1
Germany already has zero tolerance for some drivers
Germany has a standard blood alcohol limit of 0.5 grams per litre for most drivers. However, a zero limit applies to novice drivers and professional drivers.
Motorists caught at or above the standard limit can face a €500 fine and a one-month driving ban for a first offence. The claim that Germany is introducing zero tolerance for every driver should therefore be treated with caution. ETSC+1
France maintains stricter rules for new drivers
France applies a 0.5 grams per litre limit to most motorists, but drivers holding a probationary licence face a much lower threshold of 0.2 grams per litre.
There is pressure for tougher drink driving measures, but the lower limit has not been extended to all drivers. Service Public+2
Several European countries already enforce zero tolerance
Zero tolerance is already in force for all drivers in countries including the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia.
Other countries apply lower limits to novice and professional drivers, reflecting a wider European focus on reducing alcohol-related road accidents. ETSC
What are the drink driving rules in Greece?
Greece has not introduced zero tolerance for all motorists. Under the country’s updated Road Traffic Code, the legal blood alcohol limit is:
- 0.5 g/L for most drivers.
- 0.2 g/L for novice drivers, professional drivers and motorcycle or moped riders.
Penalties increase according to the alcohol level detected:
| Blood alcohol level | Fine | Driving licence suspension |
|---|---|---|
| 0.50 to 0.80 g/L | €350 | 30 days |
| Above 0.80 to 1.10 g/L | €700 | 90 days |
| Above 1.10 g/L | €1,200 | 180 days |
More severe penalties apply to repeat offenders, with fines reaching €2,000 in certain circumstances. ΑΥΤΟΚΙΝΗΤΑ+2
The broader European debate reflects growing pressure to reduce alcohol-related crashes. But the rules remain different from country to country, and proposals under discussion should not be confused with laws already in force.
