Drink-Drive Limits by Country 2026: 39 Nations at Zero

The same glass of wine is unremarkable in one country and a criminal matter across the border. This table covers 194 countries, and the spread is extreme: 39 enforce absolute zero tolerance, from Brazil and Czechia to Bahrain and Bangladesh, while 0.08 is the most permissive common ceiling and applies in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Most of Europe, Australia and much of Asia settle at 0.05. Novice and professional drivers are frequently held to a lower figure than the national one.

Key Findings

• 194 countries with defined blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits
• 39 countries enforce zero tolerance (0.00% BAC): Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei, Chad, Cuba, Czechia, Djibouti and 29 more
• Most common limit: 0.05% BAC (standard across most of Europe, Australia, and much of Asia)
• Most lenient: 0.08% BAC (USA, UK, Canada, and some Caribbean nations)

BAC Limits by Country

Zero Tolerance Countries

These countries set the limit at 0.00%, meaning any detectable alcohol is illegal:

• Afghanistan
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Chad
• Cuba
• Czechia
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Hungary
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Kuwait
• Libya
• Maldives
• Mali
• Nepal
• Niger
• North Korea
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Palestine
• Paraguay
• Qatar
• Romania
• Saudi Arabia
• Slovakia
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates
• Uruguay
• Vietnam
• Yemen

In zero-tolerance countries, even medications containing alcohol or food cooked with wine could theoretically trigger a positive test. If in doubt, do not drive.

Understanding BAC Levels

• 0.02% — roughly one small beer for an average adult
• 0.05% — about one standard drink (varies by body weight, gender, and metabolism)
• 0.08% — approximately two standard drinks within an hour

These are rough estimates. Actual BAC depends on weight, sex, food intake, hydration, and individual metabolism. The safest approach when driving is zero alcohol.

Penalties for Drink Driving

Penalties escalate sharply with BAC level:

• Europe: Fines from EUR 200 to EUR 10,000+, licence suspension, and potential imprisonment
• Scandinavia: Income-based fines that can reach tens of thousands of euros
• Middle East: Zero tolerance countries may impose imprisonment even for first offences
• Australia: Fines, licence disqualification, and interlock device requirements

Related Tools & Guides

• BAC Calculator — estimate your blood alcohol level
• Driving Fines Comparison — penalties across countries
• Compare Driving Rules — side-by-side comparison