Driving under the influence of alcohol

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a threat to road safety in Switzerland. Drivers must be aware that even a small amount of alcohol can impair driving abilities. The effects of alcohol include decreased attention, blurred vision, increased reaction time, risk-taking, and fatigue, which can lead to fatal accidents.

In Switzerland, the legal blood alcohol limits for driving vary for each category of drivers. 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 a blood alcohol level above 0.1‰ can be penalized if they are considered incapable of driving. Drivers who violate the law on driving under the influence of alcohol face serious legal consequences in Switzerland. Sanctions can range from a fine to a withdrawal of the driving license, or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. Drivers can also be held responsible for damages caused to third parties in case of an accident.

It is important to note that alcohol is slowly eliminated from the body, with only between 0.1 and 0.15‰ eliminated per hour. Remedies such as coffee or pickles are not effective in accelerating the process of alcohol elimination. Therefore, it is best not to drink alcohol before driving.

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

Fines, penalties, and license withdrawals

Driving while intoxicated is a very serious offense in Switzerland, with sanctions varying depending on the blood alcohol level and recurrence. There are three degrees of severity defined by law.
For a blood alcohol level of 0.5 to 0.79‰, drivers risk a high fine or a warning. However, in case of recurrence within less than two years or committing another offense, the license can be withdrawn for at least one month, with a fine or a pecuniary penalty and, in the most serious cases, a custodial sentence of up to three years.

For a blood alcohol level of 0.8‰ or more, drivers face more severe sanctions, including the immediate seizure of the license. The license can be withdrawn for at least three months, with a fine or a pecuniary penalty, as well as a custodial sentence of up to three years, with or without probation.

In case of recurrence, the penalties are even heavier, with a longer minimum duration of license withdrawal. In some cases, the license can even be withdrawn for an indefinite period.

For new drivers, the law is even stricter. Upon the first license withdrawal, the probationary period is automatically extended by one year, in addition to the previously mentioned sanctions. If a second license withdrawal is pronounced during the probationary period, the trial driving license is canceled.

It is therefore crucial not to drive after consuming alcohol to avoid heavy and dangerous sanctions. Drivers must be responsible and respect the legal blood alcohol limits for their own safety and that of other road users.

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PBM Avocats in Geneva

Boulevard Georges-Favon 26

1204 Genève

T. : +41 22 348 32 35