Alcohol limits for driving in top 10 holiday destinations

Many love to see what cocktails, wines, spirits and beers are on offer, finding their favourite drink of the holiday.

But when it comes to wanting to explore the country you are visiting the day after a night out or a date night at a bar, you might not know the alcohol limit when it comes to driving.

@paris.attractive 🗼The world’s deadliest traffic circle Driving through this roundabout is not for the weak of heart. Have you been here before? Tag a friend in the comment 🤓 📸 by @henry_do . . ——— #parisienne #parisjetaime #parisianstyle #parismonamour #parisianlifestyle #french #fashion #travel #parisphotography #igersparis #photography #visitparis #parisianlife #parisphoto #ootd #eiffeltower #parisfranceofficial #parisfrance #iloveparis #parisgram #restaurant #parisien #travelphotography #outfitoftheday #frenchstyle #photo ♬ original sound - Paris.attractive

Uswitch Temporary Car Insurance experts have rounded up the top holiday destinations for Brits abroad this summer and researched the alcohol limits for driving in each country, which are often significantly lower than in the UK.

Top 10 UK holiday destinations for 2023 and corresponding Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits

• Benidorm, Spain: BAC 0.05%
• Antalya, Turkey: BAC 0.05%
• Paris, France: BAC 0.05%
• Barcelona, Spain: BAC 0.05%
• Costa Adeje, Spain: BAC 0.05%
• Amsterdam, Netherlands: BAC 0.05%
• Dubai, UAE: BAC 0.00%
• Rome, Italy: BAC 0.05%
• New York, USA: BAC 0.08%
• Albufeira, Portugal: BAC 0.05%

The alcohol limit for driving in the UK and USA is BAC 0.08%, equivalent to roughly two pints of beer or one and a half glasses of wine.

When it comes to the alcohol limit for driving in the UK, the USA has a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, equivalent to roughly two pints of beer or one and a half glasses of wine (Image: Getty)

The experts also found 90% of the 10 most popular holiday destinations for Brits in 2023 have a significantly lower tolerance for drinking and driving with Spain, Turkey, France, Netherlands, Italy and Portugal having a legal limit of BAC 0.05%.

This is equivalent to around one pint of beer or one glass of wine depending on an individual's weight, gender, food intake, liver health, and metabolism.

This is up to 50% less than Brits are used to consuming at home.

Dubai was found to be the seventh most popular holiday destination and, with a zero-tolerance approach to drinking before driving, it’s crucial that travellers don’t overindulge if they’ve hired a car on the other side.

7 tips on staying safe while driving abroad 

The experts at Uswitch Temporary Car Insurance have also shared their tips for staying safe while driving abroad:

@roamaroo_travel Would you dare drive on the deadlist road? This is Sa Calobra on the Spanish island of Mallorca. #mallorca #mallorcaspain #roadtripcheck #europeanroadtrip #sacalobra ♬ original sound - Roamaroo

• Don’t drink before driving, zero alcohol is the best policy
• If you are drinking, allow plenty of time for the alcohol to leave your system
• Plan ahead and if you are wanting to drink, designate a sober driver
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach where possible
• Pace yourself, don’t drink too much too quickly
• Be aware of drinking cultures in different countries
• Know the alcohol limits in the country you're visiting

Uswitch Temporary Car Insurance expert Leoni Moninska commented: "The summer holidays are a time for relaxation and fun, but it's important to remember that drinking and driving is not just a dangerous idea, it’s also illegal and could lead you to losing your licence.

"We urge all travellers to prioritise their safety and the well-being of others by making responsible decisions when travelling on a plane.

"If you do drink, consider asking a sober friend or travelling companion to drive you from the airport using Temporary Car Insurance, which is a quick and easy solution to ensuring a successful end to your holiday with you and your car getting home safely.”