Driving under the influence of alcohol

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a threat to road safety in Switzerland. Drivers should be aware that even a small amount of alcohol can impair driving ability. The effects of alcohol are numerous, including reduced attention, blurred vision, increased reaction time, risk-taking and fatigue, all of which can lead to fatal accidents.

In Switzerland, the legal alcohol limit for driving is different for each category of driver. For novice drivers, professional drivers and driving instructors, the rule is zero per thousand. For experienced drivers, the legal limit is 0.5 ‰. However, drivers with alcohol levels above 0.1 ‰ may be penalized if they are deemed unfit to drive. Drivers who break the law on driving under the influence of alcohol face serious legal consequences in Switzerland. Penalties can range from a fine to the withdrawal of a driver’s license, or even imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the offence. 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 slowly from the body, with only between 0.1 and 0.15 ‰ eliminated per hour. Remedies such as coffee or pickles are not effective in speeding up the alcohol elimination process. So it’s best not to drink alcohol before driving.

In conclusion, it is essential that drivers understand the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and the serious legal consequences of this offence in Switzerland. Drivers must respect legal alcohol limits and avoid driving after consuming alcohol, for their own safety and that of other road users.

Fines, penalties and license withdrawals

Drink-driving is a very serious offence in Switzerland, with penalties varying according to blood alcohol level and repeat offence. There are three levels of severity defined by law.

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in the event of a repeat offence after less than two years, or of committing another offence, the licence may be withdrawn for at least one month, with a fine or pecuniary penalty and, in the most serious cases, a custodial sentence of up to three years.

For blood alcohol levels of 0.8 ‰ or more, drivers risk harsher penalties, including immediate seizure of the license. The license can be withdrawn for at least three months, with a fine or pecuniary penalty, as well as a custodial sentence of up to three years, suspended or not.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 license withdrawal period. In some cases, the license may even be withdrawn indefinitely.

For new drivers, the law is even stricter. When a driver’s licence is withdrawn for the first time, the probationary period is automatically extended by one year, in addition to the penalties already mentioned. If a second withdrawal of license is pronounced during the probationary period, the probationary driving license is cancelled.
It is therefore crucial not to drive after consuming alcohol, to avoid heavy and dangerous sanctions. Drivers must be responsible and respect legal blood alcohol limits, for their own safety and that of other road users.