Watch Your Legal Limit

It now looks as if the legal limit for driving under the influence of alcohol will go down. Currently Irish law allows a driver to have 0.08% of alcohol in his blood, this will be slashed nearly in half, down to 0.05%. Legislation is being prepared.

While this sounds very academic, the likelihood is that just one pint will put you over the legal limit. Add increased controls on Irish roads and you have a surefire way to losing your license.

While I expect the usual whining from pub owners I personally think this is a positive move towards less fatalities. Visitors should, however, take note that the traditional pint of Guinness with a pub lunch might now better be a thing of the past. You might also like to read up on other laws regarding alcohol in Ireland.

The introduction of lower alcohol limits has already been deferred several times, a reform of the licensing system for drivers took first priority. This was extremely necessary - Irish law allowed drivers who actually failed the driving test to carry on driving unaccopanied. Don't ask ...

Photo © 2007 Bernd Biege licensed to About.com, Inc.