How much can I drink? New 0 BAC regulations

“How much can I drink before driving?” is one of the most frequently asked questions regarding the new regulations. From September 3, 2026, changes will come into effect in Poland, especially impacting young and new drivers. An absolute 0.0 per mille limit is introduced for people in the probationary period. What does this mean? That one beer, a glass of wine, or even “just a shot” can mean a fine, penalty points, and serious legal consequences.

What changes from September 3, 2026?

From the beginning of September 2026, a probationary period for new category B drivers comes into force. It applies to people who obtain a driving license for the first time from this date onward.

Who do the new rules apply to?

• Drivers who pass the category B driving test for the first time from September 3, 2026, onwards
• Regardless of age – both 18-year-olds and people 30+, 40+ or older
• For 17-year-olds, the probationary period lasts 3 years (but no longer than until the age of 20)
• For those 18+, the probationary period is 2 years

What is the alcohol limit during the probationary period?

During the probationary period, there is an absolute 0.0 per mille limit:

• 0.0‰ blood alcohol
• 0.0 mg of alcohol in 1 dm³ of exhaled air
• 0.0 ng/ml of substances acting similarly to alcohol

This means that even one beer, a glass of wine, or “just a shot” disqualifies a new driver according to the law. There is no room for “small exceptions” here – every fraction counts.

How much can I drink as an experienced driver?

For drivers outside the probationary period, the regulations do not change. The previous limits still apply:

• Up to 0.19 per mille – you are legally sober (no criminal consequences)
• 0.2–0.5 per mille – after alcohol use (offense, fine, penalty points)
• Above 0.5 per mille – state of intoxication (crime, criminal case, court, possible imprisonment)

Keep this in mind, especially if you drive professionally, for example on popular apps like Bolt, Uber or Freenow.

How many per mille after one beer?

It depends on many factors: weight, gender, drinking pace, food, metabolism. Assuming typical values:

• One 500 ml beer (5%) for a person weighing ~70–80 kg can result in about 0.2–0.3 per mille directly after drinking
• After one or two hours the level may drop, but there is no safe “one beer” before driving – especially if you’re supposed to have 0.0 per mille

How much alcohol is allowed in Poland? Table of limits and penalties

For how long is your driving license suspended for alcohol?

For experienced drivers (0.2+ BAC)

After use (0.2–0.5‰):

• Fine (often from 2500 PLN)
• Penalty points
• The court may impose a driving ban (often from 6 months to several years)

State of intoxication (>0.5‰):

• Criminal proceedings
• Fine, restriction of freedom or imprisonment
• Driving ban usually for several years
• In extreme cases – vehicle forfeiture

For new drivers during the probationary period (0.0 BAC)

This case is simpler and stricter. Any result above 0.0 BAC = violation of probationary period conditions. Consequences:

• Fine and penalty points as for the after use of alcohol
• Possible extension of the probationary period by another 2 years if you commit two traffic safety offenses during it
• If you reach 12 penalty points during the probationary period – mandatory road hazards training

Riding a bicycle after drinking – how much alcohol is allowed?

Many people think that “it’s different on a bike.” Unfortunately, alcohol and bicycles don’t mix either.

Limits for cyclists

• Up to 0.19 BAC – no criminal consequences
• 0.2–0.5 BAC – after use of alcohol (misdemeanor). Fine 1000 PLN
• Above 0.5 BAC – state of intoxication (misdemeanor). Fine min. 2500 PLN, in extreme cases even up to 5000–30,000 PLN (if there is a safety hazard or accident)

Can they take your car license for cycling under the influence?

• Not automatically. The court cannot suspend your car driving license just for cycling under the influence.
• However, it may impose a ban on operating non-motor vehicles (i.e., including bicycles) for a period of from 6 months to 3 years.

“Eat an apple and lose your driver’s license?” – myth or real risk?

It’s also worth mentioning an interesting issue: some products (e.g. fermenting fruit, juices, or even smoking just before driving) can temporarily “spike” a breathalyzer result.

For experienced drivers, this isn’t a problem – as long as you have <0.2 per mille, you are sober.

For new drivers in the probationary period (0.0 per mille) this could matter in theory if:

• You eat/drink something just before driving
• You get stopped for a check at an “unlucky” moment
• The breathalyzer shows a result >0.0

In practice:

• The effect is short-lived
• There is no ban on eating apples or drinking juices
• However, it’s wise not to overdo it right before driving and give your body a moment, especially if you are a new driver

How much can I drink?

If you plan to drive:

New driver (probationary period):

• Goal: 0.0 per mille
• Safest: zero alcohol on the day you drive
  

Experienced driver:

• Legal limit: <0.2 per mille
• Remember: even one beer can push you over this limit, especially just after drinking
• If you are not sure – skip driving or use alternative transport

Summary

From September 2026 in Poland, the general 0.2 per mille limit does not change for most drivers, but new drivers in the probationary period must have 0.0 per mille. This means a complete ban on alcohol before driving for 2 years (or 3 years for 17-year-olds).

If you’re wondering: “How much can I drink?” – the safest answer is:

• 0 per mille if you are a new driver
• Less than you think if you are an experienced driver – because even one beer can mean a fine, penalty points, and problems with your driving license.

Do you have questions about the new rules? Leave a comment or contact us – we’ll be happy to clarify any doubts!

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