What Happens When You Exceed the Alcohol Limit? Sanctions for Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving poses serious risks both personally and socially. Driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to accidents and may also cause you to face legal sanctions. In this article, we will provide information about the consequences of exceeding the alcohol limit, possible sanctions, and the legal aspects of drinking and driving.
1. Determining the Alcohol Limit
Explanation: In Turkey, the limit for drinking and driving has been determined as 0.50 per mille. However, this limit is applied as 0.20 per mille for professional drivers and new drivers.
Example: If a driver’s alcohol level is 0.60 per mille in the alcohol test, he/she is legally over the limit for drinking and driving.
2. Alcohol Testing and Application
Explanation: Drivers may be stopped for a breathalyzer test during traffic control. In order for the alcohol test to be performed, police officers use devices that measure the drivers’ alcohol levels.
Example: If a driver is measured as 0.70 per mille during a breathalyzer test, this could lead to serious sanctions.
3. Legal Sanctions
Explanation: Sanctions to be applied to drivers who exceed the alcohol limit vary depending on the severity of the situation. These sanctions include a fine, temporary cancellation of the driver’s license, and imprisonment.
Example: A driver with an alcohol level between 0.50 and 0.99 per mille could be fined 1,132 TL and have their driver’s license canceled for 6 months.
4. Criminal Liability for Drinking and Driving
Explanation: If drinking and driving causes a traffic accident, the driver may face both criminal liability and legal sanctions. The driver is responsible for the material and moral damages resulting from the accident.
Example: A driver who causes an accident while drinking and driving will be liable to both compensate the other party for the damages and may face imprisonment.
5. Practices for Those Caught for the First Time
Explanation: Drivers caught driving under the influence for the first time may be penalized, taking into account some extenuating circumstances. However, this situation varies depending on the alcohol level.
Example: Drivers caught for the first time under 0.50 per mille are generally given lesser penalties, while drivers caught at 1.00 per mille and above will face more severe sanctions.
6. Effects of Alcohol and Safety
Explanation: Alcohol negatively affects the driver’s reflexes and decision-making ability. Therefore, driving after drinking alcohol should be avoided.
Example: Even at an alcohol level of 0.30 per mille, the driver’s attention span shortens and reflexes slow down, increasing the risk of an accident.
7. Process for Re-Obtaining a Driver’s License
Explanation: People whose driver’s license has been revoked due to driving under the influence can apply to get a driver’s license again after a certain period of time. However, various documents and tests may be requested during this process.
Example: A driver who has not consumed alcohol for 6 months can apply to get a new driver’s license by completing the necessary documents.
8. Situations Where Alcohol is Prohibited
Explanation: Some drivers, especially due to their profession, must completely abstain from consuming alcohol. This situation is of critical importance for public safety.
Example: Professional drivers (taxi drivers, bus drivers) are subject to both legal sanctions and the risk of losing their jobs when they exceed the alcohol limit.
9. Be Careful with Alcohol Consumption
Explanation: Drinking and driving is a behavior that threatens the safety of not only individuals but also the entire society. The consequences of exceeding the alcohol limit are severe and penal sanctions are inevitable.
Example: If you went out with a friend one night and consumed alcohol, you should avoid driving and prefer alternative transportation methods.
İçindekiler