Drunk driver from Poland stopped twice in Salzburg within a few days

The following day, the same man was checked again in Lungau, this time on the B95 in the Mariapfarr area. Once more, the breathalyzer test was positive: the officers measured 2.70 per mille. On the second day, the man was still driving while intoxicated far above the limit.

Second day of checks in Lungau

The Salzburg police spoke in a release of a "drunk driver" who had registered "first 3.18, then 2.70 per mille." The man had been "stopped," but then continued to drive his car "with a spare key." Both incidents were reported.

According to police, the incident triggered several consequences under traffic and criminal law. In addition to the revocation of the driver's license, the person concerned faces fines and, in the event of a repeat offense, a longer ban. More precise information on the current status of the proceedings was not initially available.

The Turracher Straße and the B95 are important connecting routes through Lungau and are also heavily used by tourists and travelers. Police pointed out that checks in the Tamsweg district take place at irregular intervals and are intensified particularly during the summer months.

Legal consequences

Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of serious traffic accidents in Austria. Penalties can be expected from as little as 0.5 per mille if driving behavior is conspicuous; from 1.6 per mille, the offense is classified as "severe" intoxication under the Road Traffic Act. Those who register even higher readings must expect criminal proceedings and a driver's license ban lasting several months.

In the specific case, the measured reading of 3.18 per mille was significantly above the range in which laypeople can still drive a vehicle reasonably safely. Medical experts classify readings above three per mille as acutely dangerous to health, as consciousness and coordination are massively impaired.

Further checks announced

Police announced that the man would be placed under intensified scrutiny again in the coming weeks. Should he be caught driving drunk again, he faces immediate arrest and a notation for a procedure to revoke his driver's license for several months.

The case is being handled in the Tamsweg district, which includes both Mauterndorf and Mariapfarr. Investigations are ongoing, and the authorities are also examining whether the car should be temporarily seized to prevent further journeys.