Almost 10,000 people die in the U.S. each year as a result of alcohol-impaired driving, accounting for nearly one third of all traffic-related deaths in the country. The most important step anybody can take to protect other drivers and pedestrians is to learn the legal blood alcohol level for driving and stick to it. However, the legal blood alcohol level varies among countries around the world, so we’ll look at the U.K., other E.U. countries, China, Japan and Brazil.Understanding Blood Alcohol Content Blood alcohol levels are generally expressed as a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). This is defined slightly differently in different countries, but in general, it tells you the percentage of alcohol in an individual’s blood. For example, a BAC of 0.10 means 0.1% blood alcohol, or 1 part alcohol for every 1,000 parts blood. When you have a drink, the effect it has on your BAC depends on various factors, including your gender, your weight and what you’ve eaten. There are online calculators you can use to get a rough (but not exact) estimate of your BAC based on what you’ve had to drink.Legal Blood Alcohol Level Around the WorldU.S. In the U.S., the legal blood alcohol level is 0.08. Above this level, alcohol’s impairment to your driving ability becomes serious. It’s important to remember that the safest approach is to not drink any alcohol if you’ll be driving later.U.K. In the U.K., the legal blood alcohol level is 0.08. However, in Scotland a more stringent limit of 0.05 is imposed.E.U. Countries The legal limit varies across E.U. countries. In the majority of them, the maximum legal blood alcohol level is 0.05, but there are exceptions, which are listed below. The following countries have a zero tolerance policy (i.e., a limit of 0.00):Czech RepublicHungaryRomaniaSlovakia A still-stringent limit of 0.02 is imposed in:CyprusEstoniaPolandSweden Finally Lithuania has a limit of 0.04, and Malta’s limit is equivalent to that in the U.S. and U.K., at 0.08.China In China, there are two different levels of drunk-driving offense. Driving with a BAC of 0.08 or higher classifies as the more serious “driving while intoxicated,” but driving with a BAC of 0.02 to 0.08 classifies as “driving after drinking alcohol,” which still carries a fine and a six-month license suspension.Japan Driving with a BAC of 0.03 or higher is a crime in Japan, with punishments up to $10,000 (USD) in fines and five years in prison.Brazil Brazil has a zero tolerance approach to drunk-driving. If you have detectable levels of alcohol in your blood when driving, you will be punished.Stay Sober; Stay Safe Whether you’re at home or abroad, learning the legal blood alcohol level where you are keeps you on the right side of the law. However, the best way to stay safe is to avoid drinking any alcohol if you’ll be driving. Sources: “Blood Alcohol Calculator” — Alcohol Help Center “Understanding Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)” — University of Rochester “Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Drink Driving Limits across Europe “— European Transport Safety Council “China: Harsher Punishments for Driving After Drinking” — Library of Congress “Japan” — U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs “Brazil” — Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade “Impaired Driving: Get the Facts” — Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCategory: Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinApril 5, 2017Post navigationPreviousPrevious post:3 Things to Try When Cold Turkey Detox FailsNextNext post:When Women Become Addicted to CocaineRelated postsHow Long Does It Take to Recover From Alcoholism?July 30, 2020Most Common Types of Alcohol AbusedJuly 10, 2020Is Alcohol a Drug?July 6, 2020Is Alcohol a Depressant?July 4, 2020Tips for Being Quarantined with an Alcoholic SpouseJune 22, 2020Common Reasons Teens Abuse Alcohol or DrugsJune 14, 2020