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Alcohol & Driving

Alcohol affects judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Even small amounts can impair your ability to drive safely. The Road Traffic Act sets specific limits for alcohol in the body, and exceeding these is an offence with serious consequences.

In The Bahamas, it is an offence to drive if you exceed these limits: [2]

  • 30 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath (≈ 0.03% BAC)
  • 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (≈ 0.08% BAC)

These limits are low because even a small amount of alcohol can make driving unsafe.

Effects on Driving

Alcohol reduces:

  • Reaction time — making it harder to stop or avoid hazards
  • Coordination — affecting steering and control
  • Judgment — leading to poor decisions like speeding or risky overtaking

The safest level of alcohol for drivers is zero.

Offences & Penalties

Driving while over the limit, or refusing to provide a specimen for testing, is a serious offence. [1]

Penalties may include: [3]

  • Large fines
  • Licence suspension or disqualification
  • Imprisonment for repeat or serious offences (especially where accidents cause injury or death)

➡ See Penalties & Offences for more details on fines, demerit points, and court powers.

A conviction for drunk driving also stays on record and may affect employment or travel opportunities.

Safer Alternatives

If you plan to drink, plan not to drive:

  • Use a designated driver
  • Call a taxi or rideshare
  • Use public transport where available

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal alcohol limit in The Bahamas?
The limit is 30 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath, or 80 milligrams per 100 ml of blood.
Can I be penalized for refusing a breath test?
Yes. Refusing to provide a specimen for testing is itself an offence and carries the same penalties as driving over the limit.
What happens if I’m caught driving under the influence?
You may face heavy fines, suspension or loss of your licence, and even imprisonment for serious or repeat offences. See the Penalties & Offences page for details.
Is it safe to drive after just one drink?
No. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect reaction time and judgment. The safest choice is not to drive at all if you have been drinking.
  1. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 44 — Establishes offences for driving, attempting to drive, or being in charge of a vehicle while over the prescribed alcohol limit or unfit through drink or drugs. ↩
  2. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 44A — Defines legal limits: 30 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath, 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. ↩
  3. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 44B — Provides penalties: fines, imprisonment, disqualification of licence, and power of the court to order suspension. ↩
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