2025 Switzerland BAC Laws - Legal Limits & Drink-Driving Penalties
Switzerland drink-driving laws: 0.05% general limit; zero tolerance for novice drivers (first 3 years). Penalty tiers at 0.5–0.79‰ and ≥0.8‰.
Switzerland Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Legal Framework
Last Updated: 2025
Swiss Road Traffic Law Framework
Road Traffic Act (SVG) and Ordinances
Swiss law sets a general limit of 0.5‰ BAC. Novice drivers have zero tolerance for the first 3 years. Enforcement distinguishes non-qualified (0.5–0.79‰) and qualified intoxication (≥0.8‰).
Non-qualified intoxication (0.5–0.79‰)
Warning or licence suspension depending on circumstances, administrative fines and points possible.
Qualified intoxication (≥0.8‰)
More severe penalties: longer suspensions, high fines, and possible imprisonment; vehicle seizure in aggravated cases.
Novice drivers (0.00‰ policy)
Any detectable alcohol in the first 3 years triggers sanctions, including probation extension and licence measures.
Penalties and Administrative Measures
| Category | Key measures |
|---|---|
| 0.5–0.79‰ (non-qualified) | Warning or licence suspension depending on aggravating factors / Administrative fine / Possible mandatory education course |
| ≥0.8‰ (qualified intoxication) | Licence suspension (months) or withdrawal / High fines; criminal proceedings possible / Imprisonment in severe or repeat cases |
| Novice drivers (0.00‰ policy) | Immediate sanctions for any detectable alcohol / Probation extension and mandatory courses / Licence withdrawal for repeat or aggravated violations |
0.5–0.79‰ (non-qualified)
- Warning or licence suspension depending on aggravating factors
- Administrative fine
- Possible mandatory education course
≥0.8‰ (qualified intoxication)
- Licence suspension (months) or withdrawal
- High fines; criminal proceedings possible
- Imprisonment in severe or repeat cases
Novice drivers (0.00‰ policy)
- Immediate sanctions for any detectable alcohol
- Probation extension and mandatory courses
- Licence withdrawal for repeat or aggravated violations
Additional Information
Testing and Procedures
Police conduct roadside breath testing. Refusal typically leads to blood testing and separate sanctions.
Cantonal Enforcement
Cantons may differ in operational practice; large-scale controls are frequent around holidays and weekends.