Driving under the influence of alcohol

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious threat to road safety in Switzerland. It’s important to note that even a small amount of alcohol can impair driving abilities, potentially leading to serious accidents. The effects of alcohol, such as decreased attention, blurred vision, increased reaction time, risk-taking, and fatigue, must be taken seriously by all drivers.

In Switzerland, legal alcohol limits for driving vary depending on the category of drivers. New drivers, driving instructors, and professional drivers have a zero per thousand limit. For experienced drivers, the limit is 0.5‰. However, if the blood alcohol level is above 0.1‰, the driver risks sanctions if deemed incapable of driving.

In case of an offense related to driving under the influence of alcohol, drivers in Switzerland face serious legal consequences. Penalties can range from a simple fine to a driving license suspension, or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. Moreover, drivers can be held responsible for damages caused to third parties in the event of an accident.
It’s also important to know that alcohol is eliminated very slowly from the body, with only between 0.1 and 0.15‰ eliminated per hour. Popular remedies such as coffee or pickles are not effective in speeding up the alcohol elimination process. Therefore, it is recommended not to drink alcohol before driving.

In summary, it is crucial for drivers to understand the risks associated with driving under the influence of alcohol and the serious legal consequences of this offense in Switzerland. Drivers must respect the legal alcohol limits, avoid driving after consuming alcohol, and be responsible for their own safety and that of other road users.

Penalties for alcohol-impaired driving

The penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol in Switzerland are severe and vary depending on the blood alcohol level and recurrence. The law defines three degrees of severity for this offense.
For a blood alcohol level between 0.5 and 0.79‰, drivers risk a hefty fine or a simple 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 However, in case of recurrence within less than two years or committing another offense, the license can be withdrawn for at least one month, with a fine or a monetary penalty, and even imprisonment for up to three years.

For a blood alcohol level of 0.8‰ or more, the penalties are even heavier. The license is seized immediately, and drivers may have their license withdrawn for at least three months, with a fine or a monetary penalty, as well as imprisonment for up to three years, with or without probation.

In case of recurrence, the penalties are even more severe, with a longer minimum license withdrawal period. In some cases, the license can even be withdrawn indefinitely. New drivers are subject to stricter rules. If a license withdrawal occurs during the probationary period, the probationary period is automatically extended by one year, in addition to the aforementioned sanctions. If a second license withdrawal is pronounced during this period, the probationary driving license is canceled.

In conclusion, driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Switzerland. Drivers must be aware of the legal alcohol limits and the very severe legal consequences that result. It is therefore essential to avoid driving after consuming alcohol, to protect their own safety and that of other road users.