Driving While Drinking: What Are the Penalties and Alcohol Limits?
Driving while drinking alcohol is a life-threatening situation for both the driver and other road users. For this reason, countries have introduced various regulations and limits to penalize drunk drivers. Here is what you need to know about this subject:
Alcohol Limits
0.50 Promil Limit:
In Turkey, the legal limit for the amount of alcohol in the blood of motor vehicle drivers has been determined as 0.50 promil. This means that there is 0.50 grams of alcohol in a liter of blood sample.
Example: If a driver is detected to have 0.60 promil alcohol in his blood, he will be considered to have exceeded this legal limit and will be penalized.
0.20 Promil Limit (For Professional Drivers):
The alcohol limit for drivers using private vehicles such as commercial vehicles or school buses has been determined as 0.20 promil.
Example: If a taxi driver has 0.25 promil alcohol in his blood, he is over the legal limit and may face heavy penalties.
Penalties
Fine:
Drivers who exceed the alcohol limit may face a certain amount of fine. As of 2024, this fine will be around 3,000 TL.
Example: A driver caught with 0.60 per mille of alcohol may be fined 3,000 TL.
Indefinite or Definite Term Suspension of License:
Drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol may have their licenses revoked for a certain period of time (usually 6 months) or indefinitely.
Example: If a driver is caught with 0.70 per mille of alcohol, their license will be revoked for 6 months.
Imprisonment:
In accidents that occur as a result of very high alcohol levels or drunk driving, drivers may also face imprisonment. The prison sentence can be up to 1 year.
Example: A driver who causes an accident by driving under the influence of alcohol may receive a 1-year prison sentence.
Risks of Drinking and Driving
Accidents and Injuries:
Drinking and driving greatly increases the risk of accidents. Alcohol slows down reflexes and impairs judgment.
Example: A driver who is driving fast under the influence of alcohol may cause an accident by hitting a vehicle that suddenly comes across them.
Criminal Liability:
Drivers who are involved in an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol may harm not only themselves but also other road users. This increases the criminal liability of the driver.
Example: If a driver causes an accident while under the influence of alcohol and injures a pedestrian, he/she is likely to receive a heavy penalty.
Drivers’ Rights
Implementation of Alcohol Test:
Traffic police may subject a driver to an alcohol test when they stop him/her. Drivers must accept this test.
Example: If a driver refuses to take an alcohol test when stopped, he/she may be penalized.
Retention and Objection Right:
Drivers have the right to appeal the penalties given. The appeal process must be carried out through legal procedures.
Example: A driver who appeals the penalty may request the cancellation of the penalty through the court process.
Recommendations and Precautions
Do Not Drive After Consuming Alcohol:
The most effective way is not to drive after consuming alcohol. Public transportation or alternative transportation methods should be preferred.
For example: A person may prefer to call a taxi after consuming alcohol at dinner.
Friend Support:
When drinking alcohol, a friend or a designated driver should be provided to drive.
For example: When a group of friends realize that someone is drinking alcohol, they can help that person not drive.
Driving while drinking alcohol in traffic poses serious risks not only to the law but also to public health. Knowing the alcohol limits and consequences is vital for both drivers themselves and other road users. Conscious drivers can protect themselves and others by following these rules. It should not be forgotten that alcohol and traffic are two elements that should not be combined.