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E-scooter and alcohol: which blood-alcohol limits apply?

The e-scooter seems harmless, but legally counts as a motor vehicle. That is why, when riding under the influence of alcohol, essentially the same limits and consequences as for a car apply, including possible consequences for the car driving license.

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Small electric vehicles such as e-scooters are motor vehicles. The same alcohol limits as for a car apply: from 0.5 per mille an administrative offense (§ 24a StVG), from 1.1 per mille a criminal offense (§ 316 StGB); with signs of impairment already earlier.
For novice drivers the absolute alcohol ban (0.0 per mille) also applies on the e-scooter. A drunk drive with the e-scooter can lead to withdrawal of the driving license for all vehicles, including the car.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Classify the accusation

    Clarify whether an administrative offense or a criminal offense is alleged.

  2. 2

    2. Use your right to silence

    Make no statements on the matter at first.

  3. 3

    3. File access

    Have the measurement, blood values and procedure checked.

  4. 4

    4. Weigh the consequences

    Consider the risk for the entire driving license and a possible MPU.

How to spot the scam

  • You consider the e-scooter 'unproblematic' when consuming alcohol.
  • The danger for the car driving license is overlooked.
  • Hasty statements worsen the position.

Frequently asked questions

Do the same blood-alcohol limits apply to the e-scooter as to the car?

Yes. Since the e-scooter is a motor vehicle, the same limits apply: from 0.5 per mille an administrative offense (§ 24a StVG), from 1.1 per mille a criminal offense (§ 316 StGB), with signs of impairment already earlier. For novice drivers 0.0 per mille applies.

Can I lose the car driving license because of an e-scooter ride?

Yes. A drunk drive with the e-scooter can lead to withdrawal of the driving license, which also covers driving a car. In addition an MPU can be required. The consequences are therefore not limited to the e-scooter.

What applies for novice drivers on the e-scooter?

For drivers in the probation period and under 21 years the absolute alcohol ban of 0.0 per mille applies, on the e-scooter too. A violation leads to sanctions and probation-period consequences such as an extension and an aptitude seminar.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.