Blood alcohol — BAC
Blood results may express alcohol mass per blood volume or, in some systems, per blood mass. The table states that measurement basis rather than treating every notation as identical.
Measurement and safety
Blood and breath alcohol units around the world
Per mille is only one way to report alcohol. Compare % BAC, g/L, g/kg and mg/100 mL in blood with mg/L, µg/100 mL and BAC-equivalent readings in breath.
Breath alcohol — BrAC
A breathalyzer measures alcohol in exhaled air. A device may show a direct breath unit or a converted blood-alcohol equivalent.
A unit is not a legal limit
This database compares reporting formats. Legal thresholds can differ by driver category and region, and they change over time.
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Country finder
Check the units used in a country
198 of 198 countries and territories
Regional source means the format comes from a study covering that part of the world. The sources for each entry are linked in the final column.
No nationwide numeric value does not automatically mean that driving after drinking is permitted. A country may use zero tolerance or an impairment rule without one statutory number for every driver.
| Country | Most common local notation | Blood | Breath | How results are reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AfghanistanAF | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| AlbaniaAL | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Albania, IARD |
| AlgeriaDZ | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| AndorraAD | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| AngolaAO | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| Antigua & BarbudaAG | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| ArgentinaAR | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | breath result shown as BAC (g/L) | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · Argentina, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| ArmeniaAM | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| AustraliaAU | % BAC | g/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | g/210 L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Australia, UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| AustriaAT | ‰ | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| AzerbaijanAZ | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | BAC-equivalent result | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BahamasBS | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | µg/100 mL | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Bahamas, IARD |
| BahrainBH | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BangladeshBD | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BarbadosBB | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BelarusBY | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BelgiumBE | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, IARD |
| BelizeBZ | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: PAHO / WHO, IARD |
| BeninBJ | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BermudaBM | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BhutanBT | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BoliviaBO | g/L | mg/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | BAC-equivalent result | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: OECD / ITF, IARD |
| Bosnia & HerzegovinaBA | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BotswanaBW | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BrazilBR | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: PAHO / WHO, IARD |
| BruneiBN | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BulgariaBG | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | breath result shown as ‰ (BAC) | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · Bulgaria, IARD |
| Burkina FasoBF | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| BurundiBI | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| CambodiaKH | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: OECD / ITF, IARD |
| CameroonCM | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| CanadaCA | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | breath result shown as BAC (mg/100 mL) | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · Canada, UK Department for Transport, IARD |
| Cape VerdeCV | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| Central African RepublicCF | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| ChadTD | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| ChileCL | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Chile, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| ChinaCN | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | breath result shown as BAC (mg/100 mL) | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · China, Official source · China, Official source · China, IARD |
| ColombiaCO | mg/100 mL | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Colombia, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| ComorosKM | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| Congo - BrazzavilleCG | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| Congo - KinshasaCD | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| Costa RicaCR | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: OECD / ITF, IARD |
| Côte d’IvoireCI | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| CroatiaHR | ‰ | g/kg (mg/g)Basis: alcohol mass per blood mass | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Croatia, IARD |
| CubaCU | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| CyprusCY | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | µg/100 mL | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Cyprus, IARD |
| CzechiaCZ | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | mg/L → result as ‰ | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · Czechia, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| DenmarkDK | ‰ | mg/gBasis: alcohol mass per blood mass | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, IARD |
| DjiboutiDJ | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| DominicaDM | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| Dominican RepublicDO | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| EcuadorEC | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Ecuador, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| EgyptEG | % BAC | % (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| El SalvadorSV | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: PAHO / WHO, IARD |
| Equatorial GuineaGQ | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| EritreaER | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| EstoniaEE | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Estonia, IARD |
| EswatiniSZ | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| EthiopiaET | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| FijiFJ | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| FinlandFI | ‰ | mg/gBasis: alcohol mass per blood mass | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, IARD |
| FranceFR | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · France, UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| GabonGA | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| GambiaGM | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| GeorgiaGE | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| GermanyDE | ‰ | mg/gBasis: alcohol mass per blood mass | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| GhanaGH | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| GreeceGR | ‰ | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| GrenadaGD | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| GuatemalaGT | g/L | mg/mlBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: OECD / ITF, IARD |
| GuineaGN | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| Guinea-BissauGW | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| GuyanaGY | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: PAHO / WHO, IARD |
| HaitiHT | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| HondurasHN | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: PAHO / WHO, IARD |
| Hong Kong SAR ChinaHK | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | µg/100 mL | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Hong Kong SAR China, IARD |
| HungaryHU | ‰ | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Hungary, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| IcelandIS | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: OECD / ITF, IARD |
| IndiaIN | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | breath result shown as BAC (mg/100 mL) | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · India, IARD |
| IndonesiaID | % BAC | % (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| IranIR | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| IraqIQ | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| IrelandIE | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | µg/100 mL | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| IsraelIL | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: OECD / ITF, IARD |
| ItalyIT | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| JamaicaJM | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: OECD / ITF, IARD |
| JapanJP | % BAC | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Japan, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| JordanJO | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| KazakhstanKZ | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| KenyaKE | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| KiribatiKI | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| KuwaitKW | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| KyrgyzstanKG | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| LaosLA | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| LatviaLV | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Latvia, IARD |
| LebanonLB | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| LesothoLS | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | BAC-equivalent result | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| LiberiaLR | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| LibyaLY | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| LiechtensteinLI | ‰ | g/kg (mg/g)Basis: alcohol mass per blood mass | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Official source · Switzerland, IARD |
| LithuaniaLT | ‰ | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | breath result shown as ‰ (BAC) | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · Lithuania, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| LuxembourgLU | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: OECD / ITF, IARD |
| Macao SAR ChinaMO | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MadagascarMG | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MalawiMW | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MalaysiaMY | mg/100 mL | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Malaysia, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| MaldivesMV | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MaliML | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MaltaMT | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| Marshall IslandsMH | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | BAC-equivalent result | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MauritaniaMR | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MauritiusMU | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MexicoMX | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: PAHO / WHO, IARD |
| MicronesiaFM | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MoldovaMD | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MonacoMC | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MongoliaMN | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MontenegroME | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MontserratMS | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MoroccoMA | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| MozambiqueMZ | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| Myanmar (Burma)MM | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| NamibiaNA | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| NauruNR | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| NepalNP | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| NetherlandsNL | ‰ | mg/mlBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | µg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, IARD |
| New ZealandNZ | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | µg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · New Zealand, UK Department for Transport, IARD |
| NicaraguaNI | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: OECD / ITF, IARD |
| NigerNE | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| NigeriaNG | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Official source · Nigeria, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| NiueNU | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| North KoreaKP | % BAC | % (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| North MacedoniaMK | ‰ | g/kg (mg/g)Basis: alcohol mass per blood mass | breath result shown as BAC (g/kg) | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · North Macedonia, IARD |
| NorwayNO | ‰ | mg/gBasis: alcohol mass per blood mass | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, IARD |
| OmanOM | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| PakistanPK | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| PalauPW | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| PanamaPA | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: PAHO / WHO, IARD |
| Papua New GuineaPG | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| ParaguayPY | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| PeruPE | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Peru, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| PhilippinesPH | % BAC | % (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L or result as BAC (%) | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · Philippines, IARD |
| PolandPL | ‰ | ‰Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/dm³ (mg/L) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Poland, Official source · Poland, UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| PortugalPT | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| QatarQA | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| RomaniaRO | g/L | ‰Basis: not confirmed | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Romania, IARD |
| RussiaRU | ‰ | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Russia, IARD |
| RwandaRW | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| SamoaWS | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| São Tomé & PríncipeST | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| Saudi ArabiaSA | % BAC | % (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| SenegalSN | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| SerbiaRS | g/L | mg/mlBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | breath result shown as BAC (mg/ml) | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · Serbia, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| SeychellesSC | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| Sierra LeoneSL | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| SingaporeSG | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | µg/100 mL | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Singapore, IARD |
| SlovakiaSK | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Slovakia, IARD |
| SloveniaSI | ‰ | g/kg (mg/g)Basis: alcohol mass per blood mass | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Slovenia, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| Solomon IslandsSB | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| SomaliaSO | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| South AfricaZA | % BAC | g/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · South Africa, IARD |
| South KoreaKR | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | breath result shown as % BAC | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · South Korea, Official source · South Korea, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| South SudanSS | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| SpainES | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| Sri LankaLK | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| St. Kitts & NevisKN | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| St. LuciaLC | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | µg/100 mL | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · St. Lucia, IARD |
| St. Vincent & GrenadinesVC | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| SudanSD | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| SurinameSR | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: PAHO / WHO, IARD |
| SwedenSE | ‰ | mg/gBasis: alcohol mass per blood mass | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| SwitzerlandCH | ‰ | g/kg (mg/g)Basis: alcohol mass per blood mass | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Switzerland, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| SyriaSY | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| TaiwanTW | % BAC | % (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · Taiwan, IARD |
| TajikistanTJ | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| TanzaniaTZ | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| ThailandTH | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | breath reading converted to mg% | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · Thailand, IARD |
| Timor-LesteTL | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| TogoTG | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| TongaTO | µg/L breath | source does not state a BAC valueBasis: not applicable | µg/L | breath value reportedSources: IARD |
| Trinidad & TobagoTT | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| TunisiaTN | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| TürkiyeTR | ‰ | ‰ (g/L)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | breath result shown as ‰ (BAC) | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · Türkiye, IARD |
| TurkmenistanTM | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| TuvaluTV | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| UgandaUG | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| UkraineUA | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| United Arab EmiratesAE | % BAC | % (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| United KingdomGB | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | µg/100 mL | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · United Kingdom, UK Department for Transport, IARD |
| United StatesUS | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | g/210 L | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Official source · United States, UK Department for Transport, OECD / ITF, IARD |
| UruguayUY | g/L | g/LBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | breath result shown as BAC (g/L) | breath converted to a BAC equivalentSources: Official source · Uruguay, IARD |
| UzbekistanUZ | ‰ | ‰Basis: not confirmed | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| VanuatuVU | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| VenezuelaVE | % BAC | g/dL (g/100 mL)Basis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: PAHO / WHO, IARD |
| VietnamVN | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | mg/L (comparison format) | blood and breath reported separatelySources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| YemenYE | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | no nationwide numeric valueSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| ZambiaZM | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | no confirmed data | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
| ZimbabweZW | mg/100 mL | mg/100 mLBasis: alcohol mass per blood volume | source does not state a BrAC value | blood value reportedSources: Forensic reporting review, IARD |
Methodology
We show the reporting format, not a sobriety verdict
This comparison concerns the units people encounter and the way a measurement is reported. We do not convert an individual breath result into a blood result with one universal factor — the relationship depends on the law, the instrument and the individual.
The database covers 198 countries and territories. We identify the most common user-facing notation for 198. In 67 cases, that notation is confirmed by a national source or a comparative transport-institution study; the remainder rely on the regional references identified in the table. For 184 countries, we state whether the unit relates alcohol mass to blood mass or blood volume, and 59 of those measurement bases have national or comparative-source confirmation. For 45 entries, the global source does not provide one nationwide numeric value — we state that status instead of leaving an unexplained blank. Last reviewed: 7 września 2026.
Sources and data coverage
The broad international comparisons appear first. Open the rest of the list for national laws, regulators and metrology sources used for individual rows.
- International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD): Global comparison of BAC and BrAC definitions
A worldwide comparison normalised to mg/mL in blood and mg/L in breath, with references to national authorities or public documents.
- OECD / International Transport Forum (IRTAD): Alcohol-related road casualties in official statistics
A comparison of the units reported by experts and institutions in 45 countries, including g/dL, g/L, g/kg and locally used notation.
- World Health Organization / International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: Drink driving: a road safety manual
A technical BAC–BrAC reference used for comparison; it is not a universal conversion for an individual test.
Show 52 more sourcesHide additional sources
- UK Department for Transport: International comparison of BAC and BrAC units
A UK Department for Transport comparison of blood and breath alcohol notation used in different countries.
- Official source · Poland: Alcohol measurement source — Poland
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Poland.
- Official source · Poland: Alcohol measurement source — Poland
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Poland.
- Official source · Thailand: Alcohol measurement source — Thailand
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Thailand.
- World Health Organization: Definition of the BAC indicator
WHO defines BAC in its global indicator as a mass of alcohol per volume of blood.
- Official source · United States: Alcohol measurement source — United States
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in United States.
- Official source · Australia: Alcohol measurement source — Australia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Australia.
- Official source · Canada: Alcohol measurement source — Canada
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Canada.
- Official source · Argentina: Alcohol measurement source — Argentina
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Argentina.
- Official source · Chile: Alcohol measurement source — Chile
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Chile.
- Official source · Colombia: Alcohol measurement source — Colombia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Colombia.
- Official source · Peru: Alcohol measurement source — Peru
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Peru.
- Official source · Czechia: Alcohol measurement source — Czechia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Czechia.
- Official source · Hungary: Alcohol measurement source — Hungary
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Hungary.
- Official source · Latvia: Alcohol measurement source — Latvia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Latvia.
- Official source · Romania: Alcohol measurement source — Romania
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Romania.
- Official source · Slovakia: Alcohol measurement source — Slovakia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Slovakia.
- Official source · India: Alcohol measurement source — India
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in India.
- Official source · Croatia: Alcohol measurement source — Croatia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Croatia.
- Official source · Estonia: Alcohol measurement source — Estonia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Estonia.
- Official source · Philippines: Alcohol measurement source — Philippines
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Philippines.
- Official source · Bulgaria: Alcohol measurement source — Bulgaria
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Bulgaria.
- Official source · Lithuania: Alcohol measurement source — Lithuania
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Lithuania.
- Official source · China: Alcohol measurement source — China
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in China.
- Official source · South Korea: Alcohol measurement source — South Korea
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in South Korea.
- Official source · Ecuador: Alcohol measurement source — Ecuador
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Ecuador.
- Official source · Uruguay: Alcohol measurement source — Uruguay
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Uruguay.
- Official source · Albania: Alcohol measurement source — Albania
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Albania.
- Official source · Serbia: Alcohol measurement source — Serbia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Serbia.
- Official source · North Macedonia: Alcohol measurement source — North Macedonia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in North Macedonia.
- Official source · Türkiye: Alcohol measurement source — Türkiye
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Türkiye.
- Official source · New Zealand: Alcohol measurement source — New Zealand
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in New Zealand.
- University of Pretoria: Review of regional BAC reporting formats
A forensic review distinguishing mg/100 mL, g/L, g/kg and g/100 mL reporting conventions.
- Pan American Health Organization: Road Safety in the Americas
A regional comparison that reports BAC in g/dL and identifies countries without a single numerical value.
- Official source · Bahamas: Alcohol measurement source — Bahamas
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Bahamas.
- Official source · St. Lucia: Alcohol measurement source — St. Lucia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in St. Lucia.
- Official source · Cyprus: Alcohol measurement source — Cyprus
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Cyprus.
- Official source · Slovenia: Alcohol measurement source — Slovenia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Slovenia.
- Official source · Switzerland: Alcohol measurement source — Switzerland
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Switzerland.
- Official source · South Korea: Alcohol measurement source — South Korea
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in South Korea.
- Official source · Malaysia: Alcohol measurement source — Malaysia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Malaysia.
- Official source · Nigeria: Alcohol measurement source — Nigeria
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Nigeria.
- Official source · South Africa: Alcohol measurement source — South Africa
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in South Africa.
- Official source · Russia: Alcohol measurement source — Russia
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Russia.
- Official source · United Kingdom: Alcohol measurement source — United Kingdom
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in United Kingdom.
- Official source · France: Alcohol measurement source — France
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in France.
- Official source · Hong Kong SAR China: Alcohol measurement source — Hong Kong SAR China
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Hong Kong SAR China.
- Official source · Japan: Alcohol measurement source — Japan
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Japan.
- Official source · Singapore: Alcohol measurement source — Singapore
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Singapore.
- Official source · Taiwan: Alcohol measurement source — Taiwan
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in Taiwan.
- Official source · China: Alcohol measurement source — China
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in China.
- Official source · China: Alcohol measurement source — China
National source used to verify how blood and/or breath alcohol measurements are reported in China.
This information is educational and is not legal advice. Do not use this table, an app or a calculator to decide whether to drive. Confirm local rules with the competent authority and use an appropriate calibrated instrument for a current measurement.
