Alcohol and drug impairment are leading causes of crashes and serious incidents. This guide gives a clear overview of alcohol, the BAC limit and drugs for drivers in Norway.
How alcohol affects driving
Alcohol impairs judgement, reaction time and coordination even at low BAC. Even 0.2‰ can significantly reduce vehicle control.
Typical effects by BAC
| BAC (‰) | Effects on driving |
|---|---|
| 0.1–0.2 | Slightly reduced attention, overconfidence |
| 0.3–0.5 | Slower reactions, impaired coordination |
| 0.6–1.0 | Poor judgement, more errors |
| > 1.0 | Blackouts, severe motor impairment |
The law and BAC limit
In Norway the legal BAC limit for drivers is 0.2‰. For some groups practical expectations are even stricter:
| Driver group | BAC limit |
|---|---|
| Passenger car and motorcycle (B/A) | 0.2‰ |
| Probationary period (first 2 years) | 0.2‰ |
| Professional drivers (C/D) | 0.2‰ |
| Novice and high‑risk contexts | 0.0‰ recommended |
See also Statutory abstinence and Alcohol interlocks.
Drugs and threshold values
Norway uses blood threshold values for several drug groups to determine offences.
| Substance group | Threshold in blood |
|---|---|
| Amphetamines | 0.3 µg/mL |
| Cocaine (benzoylecgonine) | 0.1 µg/mL |
| THC | 1.5 µg/mL |
| LSD | 0.3 µg/mL |
| Benzodiazepines/barbiturates | 0.1 µg/mL |
| GHB/GBL | 10 mg/L |
Effects of drugs on driving
Drugs can cause:
- Sedation and reduced awareness
- Poor coordination and balance
- Longer reaction times and reduced attention
- Misjudgement of distance and speed
- Blackouts or memory loss
Checks and consequences
Police may use breath tests, blood or urine tests. Violations lead to strict penalties:
| Offence | Penalty | Follow‑up |
|---|---|---|
| BAC > 0.2‰ | Fine and licence suspension | Minimum 1 month |
| THC or other drugs | Fine and licence suspension | Minimum 1 month |
| Repeat offences | Longer suspension and courses | Medical assessment |
| Severe DUI | Unconditional imprisonment | Stronger sanctions |
See Fitness to drive and Risk assessment in practice.
Prevention and safe choices
- Plan a sober driver or use public transport
- Use alcohol interlocks for company vehicles
- Respect medicine labels that impair driving
- After heavy drinking: wait sufficiently; use a BAC calculator as guidance only