Driving under the effect of alcohol remains a serious problem despite the various awareness campaigns and the warnings of the authorities. Apart from endangering their own life, a drunk driver represents a danger to all who circulate on the road. In Portugal, the legal limit of the blood alcohol rate (TAS) is 0.5 g/l for most drivers, similar to the one adopted by countries such as France, Italy, Spain and Croatia.
Alcohol affects perception and reflexes, creating a false sense of confidence and reducing inhibitions. This leads drivers to assume risk behaviors, such as speeding or steering wheel inattention. The body takes a long time to eliminate alcohol from the bloodstream, which means that a person can continue under its influence several hours after drinking alcohol.
The average alcohol elimination rate in the blood is approximately 0.015 g/100 ml per hour. However, it is important to highlight that alcohol can be detected on a blood test up to 12 hours after consumption. TAS represents the amount of alcohol present in the blood in relation to the total volume, being expressed in grams per liter (g/l).
According to, when a person reaches a 2 g/l Tas, the body needs about 20 hours to completely eliminate alcohol. For example, if a driver registers this value at midnight, it will only be completely sober around 8 pm the next day. Even after 12 hours, TAS may still be 0.8 g/L, a higher value than permitted by law to conduct.
The sanctions in the driving letter
Portuguese legislation establishes strict sanctions for those who conduct under the influence of alcohol. The number of points removed in the driving license depends on the amount of alcohol in the blood and the severity of the infraction. According to Article 148 of the Road Code, “If the blood alcohol rate is 0.5 g/L/le less than 0.8 g/l (severe offense), the driver loses 3 points . ”
For higher rates, penalties are even more severe. “If the blood alcohol rate exceeds 0.8 g/l (very serious offense), there is a loss of 5 points.” In addition, for probative conductors or professionals who carry passengers or dangerous goods, the limits are lower. “A TAS between 0.2 g/le 0.5 g/l is considered severe offense, implying the loss of 3 points.”
Penalizations for probative drivers become even more rigorous if the blood alcohol rate exceeds 0.5 g/l. “In this case, it is a very serious offense and the driver loses 5 points in the letter.” The heaviest consequences apply to those who record a TAS greater than 1.2 g/l, as this situation constitutes a road crime.
In these cases, in addition to administrative sanctions, the driver faces a criminal case and may be sentenced to prison sentences or inhibition to drive over a long period. “The loss of points in this case is as much as possible: 6 points.”
Given the impact of alcohol on driving capacity, it is essential that drivers adopt responsible behaviors. The best way to avoid accidents and penalties is simply not to drive after consuming alcohol. Safety on the road is a collective responsibility and each decision counts to protect lives.
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