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18+ topic. Can you drive the morning after drinking alcohol in Denmark?

Alcohol can still be in your blood.

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Short answer

18+ topic. The 0.5 per mille limit applies to your blood alcohol during or after the drive, including the morning after a night out. It can take many hours before your level drops below 0.5, and many drivers in Denmark are caught the next morning. The body only starts to break down alcohol about 45 minutes after you start drinking, and the idea of one unit per hour is a myth, because the rate depends on factors like sex and weight. After a heavy evening, wait until the afternoon before you drive.

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Why

  1. The limit applies the next morning too.
  2. It can take many hours to fall below 0.5.
  3. Burn-off starts only after about 45 minutes.

Details

One unit is a 33 cl lager, a 4 cl measure of spirits or an 8 cl glass of fortified wine, and a 75 cl bottle of wine is 6 to 7 units.

Tip

Do not try to work out your own per mille after several drinks; it easily goes wrong.

What may differ

How fast alcohol leaves the body differs a lot from person to person, and tiredness after a late night adds to the risk.

Common misconception

If you feel sober in the morning, you are under the limit.

What actually happens

You can feel less affected while your blood alcohol is still high.

People also ask

  • What is the drink-drive limit for car drivers in Denmark?
  • Is it illegal to drive when tired in Denmark?
  • What happens if you have to blow into a breathalyser in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules, fines and fees can change, so check the Danish authorities before you drive.

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