Brazil enforces a 0.00% BAC under the "Lei Seca," while other South American countries range from zero tolerance to 0.08% depending on national law. This guide lists current limits by country, highlights penalties and enforcement, and shares practical examples so you can plan safe and legal travel across borders. Use our free BAC Calculator to estimate your level before you drive. [11][12]

Why limits matter

Alcohol reduces reaction time and decision-making, increasing crash risk even at low BAC, which is why many nations adopt zero or low limits for deterrence. [13]

WHO notes a significant share of road deaths is attributable to alcohol, reinforcing strict legal thresholds and enforcement as effective public health measures. [14]

Brazil: zero tolerance ("Lei Seca")

Brazil's Supreme Court confirmed the constitutionality of the Drink-Driving Law, stipulating a BAC of 0.00 with broad roadside testing powers nationwide. [11]

Travel guidance emphasizes that any measurable alcohol can trigger penalties and that checkpoints are common in urban areas under the "Dry Law." [15]

South America: legal BAC limits by country

The limits below summarize general-driver thresholds, noting that novice and commercial drivers often face stricter categories in several countries. [12]

Always verify local updates before driving, as enforcement and sanctions can change and may vary by jurisdiction within countries. [12]

Argentina

• General limit often cited as 0.05% for most drivers, with some jurisdictions moving toward broader zero-alcohol policies in recent years. [16][17]
• Traveler resources still reference 0.05% and stricter thresholds for novice and commercial drivers in practice. [18]

Bolivia

• General limit commonly listed at 0.05%, aligning with many non-zero regional frameworks for private drivers. [19]
• Local enforcement practices and penalties can vary, so confirm on arrival or with rental agencies. [19]

Brazil

• General limit: 0.00% BAC nationwide after full constitutional ratification, empowering extensive breath testing and zero-tolerance enforcement. [11]
• Under Lei Seca, any measurable BAC can result in fines, license suspension, and further sanctions, with checkpoints frequently deployed. [15]

Chile

• Guides describe a lower impairment threshold around 0.03% with escalating penalties at higher BAC bands, including above 0.08% for severe offenses.
• Sanctions include fines, suspensions, and potential imprisonment for high BAC or repeat offenses, especially when crashes occur.

Colombia

• Comparative listings describe very strict, near-zero enforcement with tiered penalties across BAC brackets and severe sanctions in aggravated cases. [23]
• Even low detectable alcohol can lead to suspension and fines under deterrent-focused legislation and checkpoints.

Ecuador

• Comparative tables indicate 0.03% for most drivers and 0.01% for commercial or professional drivers as stricter categories.
• Penalties scale with BAC and recidivism, including fines and suspensions for higher readings.

Guyana

• General limit listed at 0.08%, one of the higher thresholds in South America among national frameworks.
• Police may impose fines, suspensions, or arrests depending on BAC and circumstances.

Paraguay

• Regional legal summaries list Paraguay at 0.00% for general drivers, indicating a strict zero-tolerance stance.
• Travelers should still confirm current enforcement details locally due to potential updates and campaigns.

Peru

• General limit commonly cited as 0.05% with sanctions including fines, suspensions, and possible imprisonment in aggravated cases.
• Legal descriptions and practitioner summaries emphasize escalating penalties at higher BAC levels or when crashes occur.

Suriname

• General limit: 0.05% as specified in legal listings referencing the Driving Act 1971. [12]
• Drivers should expect standard sanctions for exceeding limits, including fines and suspensions. [12]

Uruguay

• General limit: 0.00% nationwide; evaluations associate the zero law with reductions in fatal crashes after implementation.
• Public and NGO sources highlight Uruguay as a regional model for zero-alcohol traffic policy and sustained enforcement.

Quick comparison table

Country	General BAC limit
Argentina	0.05% for most drivers; stricter for novice/commercial
Bolivia	0.05%
Brazil	0.00% (zero tolerance)
Chile	Approx. 0.03% impairment threshold; higher penalties above 0.08%
Colombia	Near-zero practice with tiered penalties
Ecuador	0.03% general; 0.01% commercial/professional
Guyana	0.08%
Paraguay	0.00% (zero tolerance)
Peru	0.05%
Suriname	0.05%
Uruguay	0.00% (zero tolerance)

[16][11][12]

Penalties and enforcement

Zero-tolerance countries use random checkpoints and immediate license consequences, with criminal liability in high-BAC or crash cases. [15][11]

Even in 0.03%–0.05% countries, sanctions scale quickly with higher readings and repeat offenses, reinforcing deterrence.

Standard drinks, BAC, and metabolism

One to two standard drinks may put smaller individuals near 0.05% depending on time, body water, and alcohol metabolism variability. [13]

Planning with a BAC chart can help illustrate risk, but estimates should never be used to justify driving in zero-tolerance countries. [12]

Examples and tips

• Example: In a 0.05% country, two standard drinks in an hour could approach the legal limit for a smaller person; waiting longer or arranging a ride is safer. [13]
• Example: In Brazil or Uruguay, any alcohol can lead to penalties; use taxis or rideshare after drinking to avoid legal and safety risks. [11]

Featured snippet patterns and intent

Pages that win snippets lead with a one-line country limit, then list penalties and special categories, matching informational intent for quick answers. [12]

Concise tables by country plus tool links like calculators improve usability and snippet eligibility for BAC-related searches. [12]

Conclusion

Brazil and Uruguay enforce 0.00% BAC, Paraguay is listed at zero, and Colombia applies near‑zero practice, while Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Suriname, and Chile set low limits around 0.03%–0.05%, and Guyana permits up to 0.08%. Plan ahead, avoid drinking if you will drive, and use our free BAC Calculator to check your level safely. [16][11]

Sources

1. After lengthy debate, Brazil's Drink-Driving Law is fully ratified – https://www.who.int/news/item/01-08-2022-after-lengthy-debate--brazil-s-drink-driving-law-is-fully-ratified

2. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits – https://iardwebprod.azurewebsites.net/science-resources/detail/Blood-Alcohol-Concentration-(BAC)-Limits

3. WHO: legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits – https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/legal-blood-alcohol-concentration-(bac)-limits

4. WHO: Road traffic deaths attributed to alcohol – https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/attribution-of-road-traffic-deaths-to-alcohol-(-)

5. U.S. Department of State: Brazil Travel Information (Lei Seca) – https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Brazil.html

6. Traffic rules in Argentina – https://www.argentinamotogp.com/en/traffic-rules-in-argentina

7. Your Ultimate Guide to Driving in Argentina – https://www.icicilombard.com/blogs/travel-insurance/ti/driving-in-argentina-guide

8. Drive Smart Bolivia Guide – https://www.rhinocarhire.com/Drive-Smart-Blog/Drive-Smart-Bolivia.aspx

9. Driver license and rules in Chile (2025) – https://glomad.net/Chile/Auto

10. Chile Car Hire Driving Information – https://www.driveaway.com.au/driving-tips-chile/

11. Sixt: Driving in Chile – https://www.sixt.co.uk/magazine/tips/driving-tips-chile/

12. Drunk driving law by country – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drunk_driving_law_by_country

13. Best Drunk Driving Lawyers in Lima, Peru – https://lawzana.com/drunk-driving-lawyers/lima-lima

14. Uruguay: reference in the region for zero alcohol traffic law – https://www.gonzalorodriguez.org/en/noticias/uruguay-referencia-en-la-region-por-ley-de-tolerancia-cero-de-alcohol-en-el-transito/

15. If you drive in Uruguay, NO drinking alcohol – https://www.guruguay.com/drink-drive-uruguay/

16. Guide to Alcohol Limits by Country – https://www.rhinocarhire.com/Drive-Smart-Blog/List-of-Alcohol-Limits-by-Country.aspx

17. Zero BAC law in Uruguay: impact on fatal crashes – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32830394/