The legal blood alcohol limit in South Africa is set by the National Road Traffic Act. Exceeding it is a criminal offence - not just a traffic infringement.
The limits
| Driver type | Blood alcohol limit | Breath alcohol limit |
|---|---|---|
| Regular licensed driver | 0.05 g/100 ml | 0.24 mg/1,000 ml |
| Professional driver (PrDP) | 0.02 g/100 ml | 0.10 mg/1,000 ml |
The PrDP limit of 0.02 g/100 ml is effectively near-zero - it accounts only for trace amounts from food or mouthwash. Learner drivers are subject to the same 0.05 g/100 ml limit as fully licensed drivers - the stricter 0.02 limit applies only to PrDP holders.
How it's enforced
Traffic officers can request a breathalyser test at any time:
- At roadblocks
- After an accident
- If a driver is stopped for any other infringement and the officer suspects impairment
- Randomly during patrol
Refusing a breathalyser test is itself an offence.
If the breathalyser shows a reading above the limit, you will be taken to a police station or medical facility for a blood test. The blood test is the legally admissible evidence in court.
Penalties
| Outcome | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Conviction (first offence) | Fine or imprisonment up to 6 years |
| Conviction (repeat offence) | Up to 6 years imprisonment (no option of fine) |
| Licence | Suspended or cancelled by court order |
| Criminal record | Yes - a conviction stays on your record |
The "I'll just drive slowly" myth
Alcohol affects reaction time, judgment, and peripheral vision before you feel significantly impaired. At 0.05g/100ml, reaction time is measurably slower than at zero. The limit is not a threshold below which driving is unaffected - it's the legal line. Driving at any alcohol level increases risk.
In the learner's test
Blood alcohol limits are tested in the rules of the road section. Questions typically ask:
- What is the legal limit for a regular driver?
- What is the limit for a professional driver?
- What happens if you refuse a breathalyser test?
Know both limits: 0.05 and 0.02. The stricter 0.02 limit applies to PrDP (professional permit) holders. Regular licensed drivers and learner drivers are subject to the 0.05 limit. This distinction is a common exam question.
Test your rules knowledge — including blood alcohol questions — in our free practice test.
Frequently asked
- What is the blood alcohol limit for a regular driver in South Africa?
- 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.24 milligrams per 1,000 millilitres of breath.
- Is the limit different for professional drivers?
- Yes. Professional drivers (PrDP holders) must comply with a stricter limit of 0.02g/100ml blood or 0.10mg/1,000ml breath. Regular learner drivers fall under the standard 0.05g/100ml limit, not the stricter 0.02 threshold.
- How many drinks does it take to exceed the limit?
- This varies significantly by body weight, gender, metabolism, food intake, and the strength of the drink. There is no reliable drink-counting rule. The only safe approach is zero alcohol before driving.
- Is drunk driving a criminal offence?
- Yes. Driving under the influence in South Africa is a criminal offence under the National Road Traffic Act. A conviction results in a criminal record, fine, possible imprisonment, and licence suspension.
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Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of May 2026. Road traffic laws, DLTC procedures, and fee schedules can change — verify critical requirements with your DLTC or the RTMC (rtmc.co.za) before your test.