Drink-driving in Austria in 2026: alcohol limits, fines and licence suspension

Drink-driving is a serious danger on the roads because alcohol significantly reduces reaction time and driving ability. Austria’s strict rules can result in fines, driving licence suspension and mandatory training or medical and psychological assessments.

The information below is for general guidance only. Regulations and laws may change.

Alcohol limits for driving in Austria

Under Austrian law, the permitted blood alcohol level is less than 0.5 per mille. Stricter rules apply to drivers with a probationary licence and to lorry and bus drivers with C and D category licences: their limit is 0.1 per mille.

The 0.1 per mille limit also applies to drivers with an AM category moped licence up to the age of 20, as well as during practice and instructional driving.

A breathalyser measures the alcohol content of exhaled air. A reading of 0.25 mg/l corresponds to a blood alcohol level of 0.5 per mille.

Penalties for drink-driving

Blood alcohol level: 0.5–0.79 per mille

• The fine can range from 300 to 3.700 euros.
• For a first offence, the driving licence is retained, but the offence is entered in the driving licence register as a Vormerkung for two years.
• If another offence resulting in an entry is committed within two years, the authorities may order an additional measure, such as further training. This costs at least 200 euros and is paid by the driver.
• After a third offence resulting in an entry, the driving licence is suspended for at least three months. If the driver already has an entry and commits an offence that results in licence suspension, the suspension is extended by two weeks for each existing entry.

Blood alcohol level: 0.8–1.19 per mille

• The fine is at least 800 euros and can be up to 3.700 euros.
• For a first offence, the driving licence is suspended for one month. In repeated cases, the suspension is at least three months.
• For a first offence, the driver must also attend a road-safety course, known as Verkehrscoaching. The cost is approximately 100 euros. Such courses are organised, for example, by the Red Cross, Johanniter or Malteser.

Blood alcohol level: 1.2–1.59 per mille

• The fine is between 1.200 and 4.400 euros.
• The driving licence is suspended for at least four months.
• Further training is mandatory and involves additional costs.
• If the driver is caught again with a level of 1.2–1.59 per mille within five years, the licence is suspended for at least eight months.

Blood alcohol level: above 1.6 per mille

• The fine is between 1.600 and 5.900 euros.
• The driving licence is suspended for at least six months.
• The driver must complete mandatory further training, which costs approximately 500 euros.
• The driver must also undergo an official medical examination and a traffic-psychological assessment. These cost a further 363 euros.
• If the driver is caught again above 1.6 per mille within five years, the licence is suspended for at least 12 months. If the first level was 1.2–1.59 per mille and the second was above 1.6 per mille, the suspension is at least 10 months.

Summary of fines and licence consequences

• 0.5–0.79 per mille: fine of 300–3.700 euros; no suspension for the first offence, but a two-year Vormerkung; at least three months’ suspension after a third offence resulting in an entry.
• 0.8–1.19 per mille: fine of 800–3.700 euros; one month’s suspension for the first offence and at least three months for a repeat offence; Verkehrscoaching costing approximately 100 euros for the first offence.
• 1.2–1.59 per mille: fine of 1.200–4.400 euros; at least four months’ suspension, or at least eight months after a repeat offence within five years; mandatory further training.
• 1.6 per mille and above: fine of 1.600–5.900 euros; at least six months’ suspension, or at least 12 months after a repeat offence within five years; further training costing approximately 500 euros and medical and psychological assessments costing 363 euros.

How alcohol testing works

Preliminary tests are not certified, so a positive result does not immediately have legal consequences. They can quickly show whether further testing is necessary. A test carried out with a certified breathalyser, however, can have legal consequences.

The police may carry out an alcohol test at any time, even without suspicion. They may request a test several hours after the person was driving. Pedestrians may also be tested if they are suspected of having caused an accident.

Refusing a breathalyser test has serious consequences. The authorities use the highest alcohol level as the basis, which is considered to be above 1.6 per mille. The driver is fined accordingly and the driving licence is suspended.

If a breathalyser test cannot be performed for medical reasons, such as asthma, a blood test is ordered. Refusing this test has the same consequences as refusing a breathalyser test.

2026 change: a 0.5 per mille limit for electric scooters

Since 1 May 2026, the 0.5 per mille alcohol limit also applies to electric scooter users. From the same date, electric scooters must have indicators and a bell, helmets are mandatory for people under 16, and only one person may ride on a scooter.

Practical steps after an alcohol-related traffic stop

1. Take the requested test seriously. Refusing a breathalyser or blood test can lead to the consequences associated with a level above 1.6 per mille.
2. Check which alcohol-level category applies to the measured result and whether stricter rules apply to your licence or driving activity.
3. Keep the official documents showing the fine, licence suspension and any required course or assessment.
4. Complete any mandatory Verkehrscoaching, further training, medical examination or traffic-psychological assessment within the required procedure.
5. For the current official rules, consult oesterreich.gv.at: Alkohol am Steuer and oesterreich.gv.at: Führerscheinentzug, Delikte. Information about the 2026 changes is available from the Parliament: Gesetze, die ab Mai gelten (2026).