Blood alcohol limit: what the 2024 highway code says
In November 2024, the newchighway Code was published, updating the previous legislation from 1992. In recent weeks, there has been much discussion about the new rules, particularly regarding alcohol limits and drug use while driving. Let's take a closer look at the key changes introduced by Law 177 on these topics and more.
Highway code 2024: new rules on alcohol and drugs
Unlike the regulations on alcohol consumption while driving, which have remained essentially unchanged since 1992 (without even adjusting administrative penalties for inflation), the legislation on the use of psychotropic substances has undergone significant changes.
The most controversial change is that a positive drug test is now sufficient for license suspension. The main criticism arises from the fact that chemical components detected by drug tests can remain in the body (saliva, blood, urine, and hair) for days or even weeks, while the intoxicating effects last only a few hours. This means the law punishes not just impaired driving but drug consumption itself, even though drug use is not a criminal offense in itself. Additionally, drug testing methods used by law enforcement have different thresholds and have yet to be standardized.
Another point of concern is that the updated highway code now includes certain medications and other medical treatments among the banned substances, even if they have no psychoactive effects.
2024 highway code: changes for mobile phones and new drivers
The new highway code also aims to impose stricter penalties for using mobile phones while driving, a factor responsible for nearly three-quarters of road accidents. Anyone caught using an electronic device while driving now faces a fine of up to €1,000, with higher penalties for repeat offenders. Additionally, those with at least 10 points on their license will face a one-week suspension, while those with fewer than 10 points will be suspended for 15 days. This short-term license suspension also applies to violations such as not wearing a helmet or seatbelt, driving against traffic, and running a red light.
For new drivers, the updated highway code introduces three main changes:
- Zero alcohol tolerance: Young drivers must maintain a blood alcohol level of zero, with a penalty of 10 points deducted from their license for violations.
- Higher power limits but for a longer period: New drivers are now prohibited from operating vehicles with more than 75 kW/T for the first three years after obtaining their license.
- 125cc motorcycles allowed on highways: Riders over 18 can now legally drive 125cc motorcycles on highways.
Lastly, economic penalties have been increased for speeding violations, animal abandonment (which now carries license suspension or revocation and up to seven years in prison if it results in an accident), and illegal parking in disabled spaces. However, under the new highway code, if multiple fines are issued for infractions on the same stretch of road within one hour, only the most severe fine will be applied, with an additional one-third increase.
