Criminal Law · European Union
Charged With Drink Driving? Move Quickly to Protect Your Licence
A drink driving charge can bring a fine, a driving ban and a criminal record — and the legal limits and penalties differ from one European country to the next. We match you, free of charge, with a lawyer who handles drink driving cases in the relevant country, so you understand the charge and your options before the case moves.
- Specialist drink driving lawyers
- Advice across the EU & EEA
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
For most drivers, the real cost of a drink driving charge is the licence
Drink driving is treated seriously across Europe, but the detail differs markedly from one country to another. Legal blood-alcohol limits are not uniform — some countries apply near-zero limits for new or professional drivers — and the penalties for exceeding them range from fines and penalty points to driving bans and, in serious or repeat cases, imprisonment. The procedure also matters: a breath or blood test must be conducted and recorded correctly, and errors in how a sample was taken, calibrated or handled can affect whether the charge stands. Beyond the immediate penalty, a conviction can mean a criminal record, higher insurance, and the loss of the licence that many people rely on for work. Because deadlines to respond are often short and the consequences for a driving ban are immediate, getting advice from a lawyer familiar with the specific country’s rules early in the process is usually decisive.
Why drivers are caught out
A drink driving charge moves fast.
So do the consequences for your licence.
Short deadlines, strict limits and licence loss make this a charge that cannot simply be waited out.
Limits that differ by country
The legal alcohol limit is not the same across Europe, and several countries set near-zero limits for new, young or professional drivers. Assuming your home country’s rules apply is a common and costly mistake.
Procedure that may be flawed
A breath or blood sample must be taken, stored and analysed according to strict rules. Errors in the equipment or the procedure can weaken the charge, but only a lawyer knows how to check.
A ban that hits immediately
A driving ban can be imposed quickly and disrupt work, family and daily life at once. Drivers who do not act early often lose the chance to challenge or reduce the ban.
What you get
A drink driving lawyer who handles your country’s rules
We only match you with lawyers who regularly defend drink driving charges in the relevant jurisdiction.
Charge and test reviewed
Your lawyer examines the test result and the procedure that produced it, checking for errors in how the sample was taken, calibrated or handled that could affect the charge.
Clear explanation of consequences
You get a straight answer on what the charge means for your licence, your record and your insurance, and what the realistic range of penalties looks like.
Defences and mitigation pursued
Where the procedure was flawed or there are mitigating circumstances, your lawyer builds the argument and works to reduce or avoid a ban wherever the law allows.
Representation at every stage
From the first response through hearings and any appeal, your lawyer handles the authorities and argues your position, so you are not left to manage the process alone.
Coverage
Drink driving lawyers across Europe
Drink driving limits and penalties are set nationally, so the right lawyer practises in the country where the offence occurred. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Drink driving — common questions
What is the legal alcohol limit in Europe?
There is no single European limit — each country sets its own, and several apply stricter or near-zero limits for new, young or professional drivers. You should always check the limit for the specific country, as it can be significantly lower than your home country’s.
What should I do if I am charged with drink driving?
Seek legal advice promptly, as deadlines to respond are often short. A lawyer will review the charge and the test procedure, explain what it means for your licence and record, and advise on your options before you respond.
Can a breath or blood test be challenged?
Possibly. Tests must be taken, stored and analysed according to strict procedures, and errors in the equipment or how the sample was handled can sometimes undermine the charge. A lawyer can review whether a challenge is available in your case.
What are the possible penalties for drink driving?
Penalties vary by country and by the level of alcohol involved, and can include fines, penalty points, a driving ban and, in serious or repeat cases, imprisonment. A conviction may also create a criminal record.
Will I lose my licence?
A driving ban is a common penalty for drink driving, but its length and whether it can be reduced depend on the country and the circumstances. Acting early gives you the best chance to challenge or reduce the ban.
Does a drink driving conviction affect insurance or travel?
It often does. A conviction can raise insurance premiums and may be disclosed in some contexts, and in some countries it appears on a criminal record that can affect employment or visa applications.
Free case review
Protect your licence before the case moves further
Tell us what happened and we’ll connect you with a drink driving lawyer in the relevant country — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.