Permitted Alcohol Limits While Driving in Lithuania and Europe

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:

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: for a driver with less than 2 years’ experience, any alcohol at all is an offence under ANK 422(4) — a fine of €230–300. The mandatory loss of licence starts higher, at 0.41 ‰.
• 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: an intoxicated driver who causes a crash faces up to 6 years for serious injury and 3 to 10 years if someone is killed (BK 281).

How Does Alcohol Affect Driving Skills?

Penalties for Drunk Driving in Lithuania

The penalty amount depends on the sobriety limit detected and the driver category.

Two things are widely stated wrongly, and both are worth knowing. ANK 422 contains no confiscation provision at all — vehicle confiscation is ANK 427(3), it is mandatory, and it attaches only to a repeat offence, never to a first one. And the mandatory ban in ANK 422(6) covers only paragraphs 3 and 5, that is from 0.41 ‰; below that the fine stands on its own.

Those figures are for driving alone. If there is a crash, BK 281 applies instead: for an intoxicated driver, up to 3 years for minor injury, up to 6 years for serious injury, and 3 to 10 years if someone is killed.

Checked against e-TAR — ANK 422 and 427, and BK 68, 72, 281, 281¹ and 282¹ — on 27 August 2026.

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.

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.