Unfitness to drive due to the influence of alcohol (drunkenness) is always considered to be proven, if the driver has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 g/kg or more, or a breath alcohol concentration of 0.25 mg/l or more. Driving ability may be impaired as early as 0.2 g/kg. It takes around eight hours until 1.0 g/kg alcohol is degraded in the blood.

Caution: Even a small amount of alcohol can cause unfitness to drive in conjunction with drugs or certain medicines.

The driver must ensure that he is not hindered by the load or by any other means. He must turn his attention to the road and traffic and must not perform anything while driving, which makes the operation of the vehicle more difficult (for example, using a telephone without a hands-free kit while driving). He must also ensure that his attention is not affected by sound reproducers, communications devices (e.g., mobile phones) or information systems (e.g., navigation system). Passengers must not hinder or disturb the driver.

It is prohibited to release the steering wheel while driving. This applies to the drivers of motor vehicles as well as motorcycles. Exception: When using a parking assistance system, the driver may release the steering device and leave the vehicle during the parking maneuver if the assistance system provides for this.

Safety belts and headrests

The driver and accompanying persons must wear existing safety belts during the journey. Exception: The driver does not have to wear a seatbelt when maneuvering at slow speed (for example, when reversing).

Children under the age of 12 must be secured with a child restraint (for example a child seat) tested in accordance with ECE regulations no. 44 and no. 129. No restraint is required for children who are already taller than 1.50 meters. These children must secure themselves with regular seat belts. The same applies to children from the age of seven on seats with lap belts.

The headrest is used for the protection of the cervical spine in the event of an accident or a sudden speed change (e.g. full braking). The head restraint must be properly adjusted for optimum protection, and the center of the head restraint should be approximately at the top of the head.