Europe is wonderful to explore by car but driving across borders has its hazards.
When each country’s road rules are different to the next, it’s vital you do your research before you get behind the wheel.
Here’s a head start to being a safe driver in Europe.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits for countries in Europe are:
0 mg per ml
Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Malta, Romania, Slovakia
0.2 mg per ml
Norway, Poland, Sweden
0.4 mg per ml
Lithuania
0.5 mg per ml
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Macedonia, Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey
0.8 mg per ml
Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, United Kingdom
*Cyprus was not included on this list.
Penalties do vary between each European country. For instance, being caught with a BAC level which exceeds the legal limit in Germany can lead to an on the spot arrest.
Though it’s nice to know you can have a drink with a meal, it is ALWAYS recommended drivers steer clear of alcohol completely.
When you’re not familiar with the roads or the language, drinking should never be an option.
References and Useful Sources of Information:
http://europa.eu/travel/gettingthere/index_en.htm
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au
http://www.safetravel.co.uk/EuropeDrinkDrivingLimits.html
And other government websites.
For the most up to date BAC information go to: http://www.icap.org/Table/BACLimitsWorldwide
Thinking of a European getaway this summer? Find all the best Europe car hire rates on our site.
Tags: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom