Public Consultation to Debate Stricter Rules
Portugal is set to discuss whether to lower the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers from 0.5 gm/l to 0.2 gm/l. The issue is being discussed in the context of public consultation as part of the National Road Safety Strategy. The proposal aims to reduce alcohol-related accidents and improve road safety. In Portugal, in 2023, one in every four drivers killed in road accidents had a blood alcohol level of 0.5 g/l or higher, and three out of four of these drivers had a blood alcohol level of 1.2 g/l or higher.
It seems reasonable to me that we accept the need to combat alcohol behind the wheel, and therefore reducing the blood alcohol concentration limit to 0.2 for everyone makes perfect sense," explains Manuel João Ramos, president of the Associação de Cidadãos Auto-Mobilizados.
Critics Highlight Need for Broader Alcohol Awareness
Despite support for the change, some argue that focusing only on legal limits may not be enough. The Associação de Cidadãos Auto-Mobilizados emphasizes that a more comprehensive approach is needed, addressing not just drinking and driving but also general attitudes toward alcohol consumption. Many believe that Portugal should follow the example of Nordic countries, where strict laws and a zero-tolerance culture discourage drinking before driving altogether.
In Spain, for example, the Parliament approved, in a first vote, a proposal to reduce the permitted alcohol limit for driving. The proposal stipulates that the limit will apply to all drivers, regardless of their driving experience or profession.
Will Lowering the BAC Keep People From Drinking and Driving?
Did you know that in Portugal, the standard blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving is not the same for everyone? Those rules currently apply:
0.5‰ (0.05%) for regular drivers.
0.2‰ (0.02%) for new drivers (those with less than 3 years of driving experience).
0.2‰ (0.02%) for professional drivers (such as those driving buses, taxis, or trucks).
While lowering the limit could lead to more fines and enforcement actions, the key question remains: will it keep people from drinking and driving?
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