Drunk driving penalties vary in Argentina as City of Buenos Aires maintains alcohol limit

Driving under the influence of alcohol continues to be a significant risk factor for road safety in Argentina. While specialists acknowledge that road accidents are multifactorial, involving speed, distractions, and infrastructure, alcohol consumption remains a central behavior that drastically increases the likelihood of a crash. To combat this, stricter road safety regulations have been implemented. Notably, the 'Zero Alcohol on the Wheel' law (Law 27.714) was passed in 2023, though some provinces, like Buenos Aires, had already enacted their own 'zero alcohol' policies a year prior. However, adherence to the 'zero alcohol' law is optional for each jurisdiction. Consequently, the City of Buenos Aires has not joined the national law, maintaining its previous limit of 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood for private car drivers. Despite this, the Ministry of Infrastructure in Buenos Aires states that consistent alcohol control checks are ongoing, as alcohol is linked to one in five fatal road accidents in the city. Penalties for driving with excess alcohol are severe. In the City of Buenos Aires, drivers testing positive are suspended from driving for at least two months, have their licenses retained, and their vehicles impounded. Fines escalate based on the detected alcohol level. For levels between 0.5 and 1 g/L, fines range from approximately $142,498 to $949,990, with driving suspensions from two to four months. In more serious cases, exceeding 1 g/L, fines can reach up to $1,899,980, with driving bans ranging from four months to two years, and potential jail time.