Drink-driving in Austria in 2026: limits and consequences

Austria does not apply the same alcohol limit to every driver. Most drivers must remain below 0.5 per mille, while stricter rules apply to certain licence categories and driving situations. This guide explains the limits in 2026, how breathalyser readings are converted and what legal consequences may follow.

Which alcohol limit applies to you?

The general rule is that you may drive only if your blood alcohol level is less than 0.5 per mille. This applies to most driving licence holders.

The wording is important: the limit is not “up to 0.5”, but “less than 0.5”. A blood alcohol level of exactly 0.5 per mille therefore already exceeds the limit.

The rule applies not only to driving, but also to putting a vehicle into operation. An offence is committed by anyone who drives or puts into operation a vehicle with more alcohol than permitted.

When does the 0.1 per mille limit apply?

For certain licence categories and situations, the limit is reduced to 0.1 per mille. In practice, even one drink may be enough to exceed this limit.

• AM category (moped): until the age of 20.
• Probationary driving licence (Probeführerschein), except AM and F categories: until the end of the probationary period; for A1 and L17, in all cases until the age of 21.
• Practice driving (“L”, Übungsfahrten): throughout the practice drive, for both the driver and the accompanying person.
• L17 training drives (Ausbildungsfahrten L17): throughout the training drive, for both the driver and the accompanying person.
• Driving-school lessons (Fahrschulfahrten): during the lesson, for both the learner and the instructor.
• Category C (lorries): always.
• Category D (buses): always.
• Category F (tractors): until the age of 20.
• School buses and pupil transport (Schülertransporte): always.

During practice driving and driving-school lessons, the 0.1 per mille limit applies not only to the accompanying person or instructor, but also to the person sitting behind the wheel.

How is a breathalyser result converted?

A police breathalyser (Alkomat) measures the alcohol content of exhaled air in milligrams per litre (mg/l). The statutory limits, however, are expressed as blood alcohol levels in per mille.

Multiply the reading measured in exhaled air by two:

• 0.05 mg/l breathalyser reading = 0.1 per mille blood alcohol.
• 0.25 mg/l breathalyser reading = 0.5 per mille blood alcohol.
• 0.40 mg/l breathalyser reading = 0.8 per mille blood alcohol.

The 0.25 mg/l reading therefore corresponds to 0.5 per mille blood alcohol; the other conversions use the same multiplication.

What are the consequences of exceeding the limit?

Anyone who drives with more alcohol than the applicable limit must expect an administrative fine (Verwaltungsstrafe). Further consequences depend on the level of alcohol impairment.

There are two main categories:

• Recordable offence (Vormerkdelikt): this is entered into the record system (Vormerksystem, commonly referred to as the “points-based driving licence” system).
• Offence resulting in licence withdrawal (Führerscheinentzugsdelikt): this begins at a blood alcohol level of 0.8 per mille.

In addition to the fine, further costs may arise, such as the fee for retraining (Nachschulung) and a traffic-psychological examination (verkehrspsychologische Untersuchung).

The exact fine amounts and withdrawal periods for different alcohol levels are covered in the detailed article Drink-driving in Austria in 2026: per mille limits, fines and licence withdrawal.

Which Austrian laws govern drink-driving?

The rules on drink-driving are found in three Austrian laws:

• Driving Licence Act (Führerscheingesetz, FSG)
• Road Traffic Regulations (Straßenverkehrsordnung, StVO)
• Motor Vehicles Act (Kraftfahrgesetz, KFG)

Frequently asked questions

Can I still drive with exactly 0.5 per mille?

No. Your blood alcohol level must be less than 0.5 per mille, so 0.5 per mille counts as exceeding the limit.

Which limit applies during the probationary period?

Drivers with a probationary licence, except for AM and F categories, are subject to the 0.1 per mille limit during the probationary period. For A1 and L17, this applies at least until the age of 21.

Can I drink if I am accompanying someone during practice driving?

During practice driving (L) and L17 training drives, the 0.1 per mille limit also applies to the accompanying person.

When can a driving licence be withdrawn?

From a blood alcohol level of 0.8 per mille, drink-driving is an offence resulting in licence withdrawal. Below this level, exceeding the applicable limit is a recordable offence.

Practical steps

1. Check which alcohol limit applies to your licence category and driving situation.
2. Remember that exactly 0.5 per mille already exceeds the general limit.
3. Convert a breathalyser reading by multiplying the mg/l value by two.
4. If you are stopped, note the measured value and the procedure details.
5. Obtain legal advice if you receive an administrative penalty or face licence withdrawal. This information is not legal advice.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at

This article is based on sources available online and does not constitute advice. Use it at your own risk. For specialist advice, consult a lawyer, legal professional, healthcare professional, employment-law or labour-market specialist, or another relevant professional.