The procedure for controlling sobriety (intoxication) of individuals determines what blood alcohol concentration is considered legal when driving. The maximum permissible blood alcohol concentration for drivers is 0.4 promilles, however certain driver groups are subject to even stricter rules.
Alcohol Concentration Limits for Different Driver Groups
Permitted alcohol concentration limits in Lithuania vary depending on the driver category:
| Driver Category | Permitted Limit | Year Updated |
| Professional drivers (buses, trucks) | 0.00 promilles | 2025 |
| Novice drivers (<2 years experience) | 0.00 promilles | 2025 |
| Passenger car drivers | 0.4 promilles | 2025 |
| Motorcycle and moped drivers | 0.00 promilles | 2025 |
Note: For novice and professional drivers, even the slightest amount of alcohol is prohibited.
Interesting Facts About Drunk Driving in Lithuania
- Zero tolerance for novice drivers: If a driver with less than 2 years of experience drives with any amount of alcohol, they may lose their driving license.
- Breathalyzers in police vehicles: Lithuanian traffic police use modern devices that allow rapid sobriety testing anywhere.
- Which cars are most frequently stopped? Statistics show that drivers of mid-class vehicles are most frequently stopped, with the majority being men aged 25 to 45.
- Harshest penalties: If a driver causes an accident involving injuries or fatalities, they may face up to 10 years imprisonment.
How Does Alcohol Affect Driving Skills?
| Intoxication Level (‰) | Effect on Driving |
| 0.2 | Mild relaxation, minimal effect |
| 0.5 | Impaired attention, slowed reaction |
| 0.8 | Reduced decision-making ability, lack of coordination |
| 1.0 | Disturbed balance, blurred vision |
| 1.5+ | Severe coordination impairment, reduced reflexes |
Penalties for Drunk Driving in Lithuania
The penalty amount depends on the sobriety limit detected and the driver category.
| Sobriety Level (‰) | First Offense | Repeat Offense | Date |
| 0.1–0.4 (professional/novice) | €300–450 fine, license suspension 12 months | €800–1100 fine, license suspension 2 years | 2025 |
| 0.4–1.5 | €800–1100 fine, license suspension 12–18 months | €1200–2000 fine, license suspension 3–5 years | 2025 |
| >1.5 | €1000–2000 fine, license suspension 3–5 years, possible imprisonment | Imprisonment up to 3 years, license suspension 5–10 years | 2025 |
Alcohol Limits in Other European Countries
Each European country has different intoxication restrictions. In some countries, such as Sweden or Norway, the permitted intoxication limit is very low, while other countries allow higher alcohol concentrations.
| Country | Permitted Limit |
| Lithuania | 0.4 promilles (0.0 for novice and professionals) |
| Latvia | 0.5 promilles (0.2 for novice) |
| Estonia | 0.2 promilles |
| Poland | 0.2 promilles |
| Germany | 0.5 promilles (0.0 for novice and professionals) |
| France | 0.5 promilles (0.2 for novice) |
| Italy | 0.5 promilles (0.0 for professionals) |
| Spain | 0.5 promilles (0.3 for professionals) |
| Sweden | 0.2 promilles |
| Norway | 0.2 promilles |
| Finland | 0.5 promilles |
| United Kingdom | 0.8 promilles (0.5 in Scotland) |
| Ireland | 0.5 promilles (0.2 for professionals) |
| Austria | 0.5 promilles (0.1 for novice) |
| Netherlands | 0.5 promilles (0.2 for novice) |
| Belgium | 0.5 promilles |
| Portugal | 0.5 promilles |
| Greece | 0.5 promilles (0.2 for professionals) |
| Switzerland | 0.5 promilles |
| Czech Republic | 0.0 promilles |
| Slovakia | 0.0 promilles |
| Hungary | 0.0 promilles |
| Romania | 0.0 promilles |
| Bulgaria | 0.5 promilles |
| Croatia | 0.5 promilles |
How to Avoid Penalties and Drunk Driving
- Use taxi or ride-sharing services: Bolt and Uber are convenient alternatives.
- Designate a driver: If going to a celebration, agree on who will remain sober.
- Know your limits: Even a single glass of wine can affect some individuals.
- Avoid driving with a hangover: Alcohol can remain in the body for up to 24 hours.
Conclusion
Lithuania's drunk driving laws are among the strictest in Europe, and recent legislation ensures that drivers are more carefully monitored. The safest choice is to always avoid driving after drinking.
Sources
Lietuvos policija – https://policija.lrv.lt
Lietuvos Respublikos Administracinių Nusižengimų Kodeksas – https://e-seimas.lrs.lt
Lietuvos automobilių kelių direkcija – https://lakd.lrv.lt
Europos Komisijos kelių eismo saugumo duomenys – https://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety
Pasaulio sveikatos organizacijos kelių saugumo ataskaita – https://www.who.int/road_safety