Today, traffic accidents often occur because drivers violate rules or act improperly. A common cause of such accidents is drivers who have consumed alcohol and are still under its influence while driving.
Driving while on duty for public services or operating commercial vehicles is strictly prohibited by law. For other drivers, the law sets a legal blood alcohol limit. This limit is defined as 0.50 per mille (‰), which corresponds to half a gram of alcohol per liter of blood. When calculating per mille values, a relationship is established between the volume of blood and the weight of alcohol.
From an alcohol level of 0.20 ‰ upward, the negative effects on the person increase as the per mille amount rises. Because blood alcohol concentration varies depending on age, metabolism and gender, it is not possible to determine exactly how many drinks equal the 0.50 ‰ limit—alcohol content differs widely between beverages. For this reason, the safest and most responsible choice is to avoid drinking any alcohol before driving.
As traffic accidents caused by alcohol rise, authorities have increased traffic inspections. Penalties applied to those who exceed the legal alcohol limit are intended to reduce drunk driving.
During traffic checks, if authorities suspect a driver has been drinking, a breathalyzer test is administered. If a breathalyzer is not available, officers observe the driver and prepare an alcohol test report based on their findings. If the breathalyzer or the officer’s observations show the driver’s blood alcohol level exceeds 0.50 ‰ and the person continues to operate the vehicle despite being unfit to drive, legal sanctions are applied.
If a driver is found over the 0.50 ‰ limit on a breathalyzer, they are fined. In addition, the traffic police confiscate the driver’s license for six months. The vehicle is also barred from traffic.
If a person who previously failed an alcohol test and had their license confiscated is caught again after the penalty period and exceeds the legal alcohol limit, they are fined. Because this is a repeat violation, the driver’s license is confiscated for two years and the vehicle is prohibited from traffic.
If a driver who has previously been punished twice for drunk driving is caught a third time, they again receive a fine. Their driver’s license is suspended for five years and they face imprisonment for no less than six months. After five years, the driver must undergo a psychiatric examination and a psychotechnical assessment. If the results are favorable, they may regain their permission to drive.