2025 Ireland BAC Laws - Legal Limits & Drink-Driving Penalties
Ireland limits: 0.05% for experienced drivers; 0.02% for learner/novice/professional. Fixed penalty options at lower bands; court bans and higher sanctions at higher levels.
Ireland Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits
0.05%Experienced fully licensed drivers
Last Updated: 2025
Road Traffic Acts and RSA Guidance
Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018 & related
Sets lower fixed penalties and three-month disqualifications at lower bands (e.g., 50–80mg/100ml for ordinary drivers; 20–80mg for learner/novice/pro). Higher bands lead to longer bans.
Breath/Blood thresholds
Ordinary: breath 22µg/100ml (≈0.05%); Learner/novice/pro: breath 9µg/100ml (≈0.02%).
Random checkpoints
Gardaí may conduct tests at mandatory alcohol checkpoints; refusal offences apply.
Penalties (Examples)
| Category | Key measures |
|---|---|
| Lower fixed penalty bands | Ordinary: €200 and 3-month disqualification (50–80mg/100ml blood or 22–35µg/100ml breath) / Learner/novice/pro: €200 and 3-month disqualification (20–80mg/100ml blood or 9–35µg/100ml breath) |
| Higher bands (court) | Longer disqualifications (1–6 years depending on band and prior offences) / Fines and possible imprisonment at high levels or repeat offences |
Lower fixed penalty bands
- Ordinary: €200 and 3-month disqualification (50–80mg/100ml blood or 22–35µg/100ml breath)
- Learner/novice/pro: €200 and 3-month disqualification (20–80mg/100ml blood or 9–35µg/100ml breath)
Higher bands (court)
- Longer disqualifications (1–6 years depending on band and prior offences)
- Fines and possible imprisonment at high levels or repeat offences
Additional Information
Drug testing
Mandatory drug testing provisions expanded in 2024; roadside oral fluid tests and impairment tests apply.