Until now, cyclists only faced consequences if they were caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 1.6 per mille or if their behavior became critically hazardous. This status quo is now slated for a major overhaul.
According to participants at this week’s 64th German Traffic Law Congress in Goslar, the core of the issue is clear: cycling under the influence of alcohol should be punished more severely than it is today—at least in situations where the cyclist has consumed a significant amount before setting their bicycle or e-bike in motion.
New Proposed Limits: 1.1 Per Mille
“In light of available scientific data, the threshold for this new administrative offense should be set at 1.1 per mille blood alcohol or 0.55 milligrams of alcohol per liter of exhaled air,” stated the official recommendation from the congress held at the Achtermann Hotel in Lower Saxony.
Currently, the limit stands at 1.6 per mille. According to the ADAC, anyone exceeding this limit or demonstrating a visible inability to ride straight must expect a fine equivalent to 30 daily rates (roughly one month’s salary) and two points in the Flensburg central registry of traffic offenders.
Recommended Penalties and Recidivism
Working Group II, “Alcohol on Bicycles and E-Bikes,” led by Matthias Quarch, Presiding Judge of the Aachen Regional Court, recommended a fine of 250 euros and one point in the Flensburg registry for a first-time violation of the new 1.1 per mille limit. In cases of repeat offenses, the group suggested mandatory medical-psychological examinations (MPU). Additionally, participants recommended a scientific study to determine if even lower limits should be established for operating heavy cargo bikes.
Political Reactions in the Bundestag
In the Bundestag, transport politicians have traditionally taken the “Goslar Proposals” seriously, often incorporating them into legislation. However, the three governing parties (CDU, CSU, and SPD) have struggled to formulate a unified response. While members of both the Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democrats have periodically advocated for harsher penalties in the past, both factions avoided direct answers this Friday.
In the CDU/CSU, representatives noted that opinions within their internal working groups clashed so sharply this week that a common position could not be reached. The SPD announced it might issue a statement as early as Monday.
The opposition demonstrated more decisive stances:
- AfD: Rejected the lower limits, citing stable accident statistics. Transport policy spokesperson Wolfgang Wiehle noted that the Federal Ministry of Transport previously saw no need for new regulations as bicycle accident rates overall—and alcohol-related incidents specifically—remain stable.
- The Left (Die Linke): Supported the 1.1 per mille limit. Transport spokesperson Luigi Pantisano emphasized that e-bikes have made cycling faster and more dangerous, making the limit a protective measure for cyclists rather than a punishment.
- The Greens: Expressed principled support for the 1.1 per mille limit. Representative Swantje Michaelsen added that stricter rules for motorists regarding alcohol would also be sensible.
The Police Union (GdP) also welcomed the proposals, calling the current 1.6 per mille limit “unequivocally too high,” as it unjustifiably increases the risk of accidents.
The ongoing challenges created and multiplied by cyclists remain among the most relevant issues in Germany. An analytical article regarding the realities of cycling in the country will be published soon.
Source: Welt
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