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Xithras

(16,191 posts)

60. That's absolutely untrue. Europe does not practice zero tolerance with alcohol.

Reply to politicaljunkie41910 (Reply #11)

Tue May 14, 2013, 09:38 PM

May 2013

Legal BAC levels, by country:

.08% – United Kingdon, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta
.05% - Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany (.03% if you're in a crash), Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Serbia/Montenegro, Croatia, Latvia, Macedonia, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, North Cyprus, Switzerland
.04% - Lithuania
.03% - Serbia
.02% - Estonia, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, Norway, Poland, Sweden, South Cyprus

The only nations in Europe with a 0.0% BAC limit are Turkey, Russia, Romania, and Hungary.

The Czech Republic is an odd one. Technically their limit is 0.0%, but it's not actually a crime until you hit 0.08%. Lower than that and they just write you a ticket and make you walk home.

Personally, I'd be fine with a hybrid of the systems in Germany and the Czech Republic. If you're pulled over and found to be driving with a BAC over 0.08% you get arrested. If you're in an accident with a BAC over 0.03%-0.05% you can be arrested. If you're driving poorly with ANY BAC, you get a ticket and get to walk home. But if a cop pulls you over for having a taillight out and you happened to have a glass of wine with dinner? No problem.

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Careful with those drinks; tougher standard for drivers may be on way [View all] alp227 May 2013 OP

Here's an idea: If you're going to drink ANY alcohol, don't even think about driving. Period. Common Sense Party May 2013 #1

So if I want a glass of wine with dinner I need a taxi home? Seems like overkill Exultant Democracy May 2013 #2

I think so. Because the most common response when people are pulled over for DUI is: Common Sense Party May 2013 #4

The one glas or two beers is what any drunk will say liberal N proud May 2013 #14

As a former medic, have a designated driver nadinbrzezinski May 2013 #19

Liquor Lobby will never let this pass...dream on Bo May 2013 #63

That's my approach BainsBane May 2013 #3

It makes more sense. Common Sense Party May 2013 #6

Agree skeewee08 May 2013 #13

I had 2 people in my family killed by drunk drivers. RebelOne May 2013 #23

That is the rule I follow, and I have NEVER been picked up for DUI happyslug May 2013 #7

That is not the law in my state. former9thward May 2013 #21

I think I remember Jenoch May 2013 #34

Yes, they could get a DUI in my state (AZ). former9thward May 2013 #38

That's absurd in the extreme. There is no reason why normal people can't have kestrel91316 May 2013 #10

Yes, but too many "normal" people think they're just having A glass of wine, and wind up Common Sense Party May 2013 #15

You can have 2 or 3 or however many as long as you spread them out over a period of however many kestrel91316 May 2013 #17

Playing with fire... Common Sense Party May 2013 #20

Isn't that too dependent on weight/body size/gender/etc.? Blue_Tires May 2013 #30

I've found the ideal solution is to simply move around the corner from the bar. man4allcats May 2013 #25

I hate to say it... MountainMama May 2013 #51

I think that's dumb Yo_Mama May 2013 #57

Agreed ... Nihil May 2013 #62

probably more about court revenue enhancement than saving lives.... villager May 2013 #5

Bingo nt Mojorabbit May 2013 #16

WINNER!!!!! truebrit71 May 2013 #47

Would never happen in Wisconsin unless the Feds threaten highway funds. TheMightyFavog May 2013 #8

I was about to bring up Wisconsin Blue_Tires May 2013 #31

Yeah. Tavern League's doing. TheMightyFavog May 2013 #52

.05 blood alcohol for someone weighing about 160 lbs. OnyxCollie May 2013 #9

Since I'm 100 lbs. HockeyMom May 2013 #12

Or 140 pounds, definitely Yo_Mama May 2013 #58

Most European countries, including those known for their drinking politicaljunkie41910 May 2013 #11

Link? maxsolomon May 2013 #56

That's absolutely untrue. Europe does not practice zero tolerance with alcohol. Xithras May 2013 #60

Interestingly, for the top countries you listed many of them believe 2-5 glasses of alcohol riderinthestorm May 2013 #61

Do not drink and drive nadinbrzezinski May 2013 #18

Why not go one step further? Never eat in a restaurant if you have to drive there. Nye Bevan May 2013 #29

Or why not take the ultimate step and never have children? tXr May 2013 #67

I have a concealed carry permit. How many drinks can I have and still tote around a weapon? Common Sense Party May 2013 #22

I am sure your state has a threshold in the CCW law. Jenoch May 2013 #37

Yeah, it probably does. Common Sense Party May 2013 #42

I Agree. Jenoch May 2013 #43

They will kill off the restaurant/bar industry. former9thward May 2013 #24

+1 nt Nye Bevan May 2013 #28

You are correct. Jenoch May 2013 #39

It would absolutely reduce the amount I eat out, and the size of the tips I leave. Xithras May 2013 #59

Fuck that. AngryAmish May 2013 #26

One or two beers do not impair my driving in any way. Nye Bevan May 2013 #27

Irony: Very old people pushing for heavy enforcement, but not for driver's tests. RitchieRich May 2013 #32

Especially when they are trying to make it in time for the 4PM "early bird" dinner (nt) Nye Bevan May 2013 #50

Serious Issue, But ProgressiveJarhead May 2013 #33

I need one...to be honest nadinbrzezinski May 2013 #35

Even a hands-free device is distracting. Just never talk on the phone, ever, Nye Bevan May 2013 #41

I have read that drivers texting while driving Jenoch May 2013 #40

I wonder what percentage of adult males do in fact occasionally drive while over the legal threshold Douglas Carpenter May 2013 #36

Why only males? Common Sense Party May 2013 #44

I'm sure a fear number do. But males tend to rank a lot higher on such things Douglas Carpenter May 2013 #45

Temperance movements sure pull our moral superiors out of the woodwork. Psephos May 2013 #46

And you know that if they get to 0.05 they will start shooting for 0.03. (nt) Nye Bevan May 2013 #49

I see. Zoeisright May 2013 #54

I'm a better driver when I've been drinking... Bay Boy May 2013 #48

It is more than simply an issue of speed Evergreen Emerald May 2013 #64

I think device distraction is a higher priority markiv May 2013 #53

Why .05? Why not .04? .02? .001? maxsolomon May 2013 #55

.. but feel free to fill up on prescription meds! flamingdem May 2013 #65

They want more money in fines. lol Dash87 May 2013 #66