A majority of Germans are calling for stricter alcohol limits on the roads, according to a Forsa survey conducted for RTL and ntv. Regarding general vehicular traffic, 68 percent of respondents favor adjusting the current 0.5 parts per thousand (‰) limit. Breaking down their preferences, 45 percent support a complete ban on alcohol, while 23 percent prefer a limit of no more than 0.3‰. Only just under a third (28 percent) wish to maintain the existing 0.5‰ boundary.
Concerns over motorized scooters are also high, with citizens demanding stricter rules for E-scooter users. Here, 44 percent believe that E-scooter riders should abstain entirely from alcohol, 22 percent advocate for a 0.3‰ limit, and 24 percent prefer to keep the current 0.5‰ standard. Currently, E-scooter drivers are subject to the same blood alcohol limits as car drivers.
In contrast, respondents appear more tolerant when it comes to bicycles and E-bikes. Only about one-third (31 percent) of the surveyed individuals call for a total alcohol ban for these riders. Twenty-three percent would accept a 0.3‰ limit, while 26 percent are fine with a 0.5‰ limit. Interestingly, 15 percent are willing to accept a maximum alcohol content of 1.1‰ or higher. For cyclists, the current legal distinction is defined by a relative inability to drive at 0.3‰, which can result in a fine, a point on the driver’s record, or a police report. Absolute impairment is reached at 1.6‰ and is classified as a criminal offense, carrying heavier penalties such as higher fines, two points, and mandatory medical-psychological evaluation.
The survey was based on data collected from 1,002 respondents between June 12 and June 15, 2026.
