Blood alcohol limits in Portugal
Standard Drivers
- Maximum: 0.5 g/L
- Breath test: 0.25 mg/L
Special Categories
- Maximum: 0.2 g/L
- New drivers (first 3 years)
- Professional drivers
- Emergency vehicle drivers
Penalties
0.5-0.8 g/L (Contraordenacao Grave)
- Fine: €250-€1,250
- License suspension: 1-12 months
0.8-1.2 g/L (Contraordenacao Muito Grave)
- Fine: €500-€2,500
- License suspension: 2 months - 2 years
Over 1.2 g/L (Crime)
- Criminal offense
- Prison: up to 1 year
- Fine: up to 120 daily rates
- License revocation possible
Refusing Test
Same penalty as highest BAC level
Enforcement
- Random roadside checks common
- Especially on weekends
- Holiday periods intensified
- Major routes monitored
Important notes
- Portugal has strict enforcement
- GNR (police) conduct regular operations
- Causing accident while drunk = severe penalties
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