Drink driving in Switzerland
Switzerland applies two thresholds depending on the driver's profile, and a third beyond which the offence becomes a criminal offence.
The limits in force
- 0.5 ‰ (0.25 mg/l of exhaled air): general limit for all drivers.
- 0.1 ‰ (0.05 mg/l): reduced limit applicable to holders of a probationary licence, learner drivers, driving instructors, professional passenger-transport drivers and heavy goods vehicle drivers.
- 0.8 ‰ (0.4 mg/l): qualified limit beyond which the offence becomes a criminal offence rather than a mere contravention (art. 91 para. 2 LCR).
What the law provides
Driving with a blood alcohol level above the applicable limit is punished by a fine (art. 91 para. 1 LCR). Beyond the qualified limit of 0.8 ‰, or in the event of unfitness to drive for other reasons, the penalty becomes a custodial sentence of up to three years or a monetary penalty (art. 91 para. 2 LCR).
Intentionally opposing or evading a blood alcohol check (breathalyser, blood test) is punished by the same penalties as driving under the influence at the qualified level (art. 91a LCR).
Consequences for the licence
Drink driving also results in an administrative measure on the licence, the duration of which depends on the measured level and the driver's record. See licence withdrawal for the detail of the severity categories.