Alcohol limits in Italy
Standard Drivers
- Maximum BAC: 0.5 g/L
- Breath test: 0.25 mg/L
Zero Tolerance Groups
- Maximum BAC: 0.0 g/L (absolute zero)
- Drivers under 21 years old
- Drivers with less than 3 years experience
- Professional drivers (trucks, buses, taxis)
Penalties
0.5-0.8 g/L
- Fine: €543-€2,170
- License suspension: 3-6 months
- 10 points deducted
0.8-1.5 g/L
- Fine: €800-€3,200
- License suspension: 6-12 months
- Possible arrest
- Vehicle seizure (if owner)
Over 1.5 g/L
- Fine: €1,500-€6,000
- License revocation
- Arrest
- Vehicle confiscation
Zero Tolerance Violations
For protected groups (under 21, new drivers, professionals):
- Fine: €168-€678 (under 0.5 g/L)
- Higher penalties if above 0.5 g/L
Important notes
- Refusing breath test = same penalty as highest BAC
- Repeat offenders face doubled penalties
- Causing accident while drunk = criminal charges
- Italy has random roadside checks, especially weekends
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