The South African Police Service, in collaboration with other State and provincial agencies, is dedicated to minimizing crime, particularly during festive occasions such as the Christmas holidays. Nobody is attempting to prevent you from having a good time; just be responsible about it!
What is the limit?
Your blood may not contain more than 0.05% alcohol. This implies that even after what appears to be a “little drink,” you may be over the limit. You may already be over the limit if you have more than 350ml of beer OR more than a single tot of brandy or other liquor. Keep in mind that these levels of alcohol can stay in your system for up to EIGHT hours after drinking!
Stay where you are until you have sobered up, or prepare for alternative transportation home from wherever you intend to drink, and make such plans ahead of time to ensure that you are not left stranded.
What happens if you are caught over the limit?
To prevent people from drinking and driving, members of the South African Police Service, the various Metropolitan Police Departments, and other law-enforcement organizations are more frequently implementing road blocks and manning other checkpoints. If you are stopped at a roadblock and it is discovered that you have drunk more alcohol than the legal limit while driving, you will be arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Liquor.
You will be detained until you are able to post bail (in certain instances bail may be denied). You face a minimum fine of R2 000 or a two-year prison sentence, or both, depending on your prior convictions and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. You may potentially lose or have your driver’s license suspended. You will, of course, have a criminal record!
How much alcohol can you drink and drive in SA?
The legal limit for driving is less than 0.05g per 100ml of blood. The legal limit for breath alcohol is less than 0.24mg per 1000 ml of breath.
In South Africa, how many beers can I drink and drive?
Your blood may not contain more than 0.05% alcohol. This implies that even after what appears to be a “little drink,” you may be over the limit. You may already be over the limit if you have more than 350ml of beer OR more than a single tot of brandy or other liquor.
