MPU because of alcohol: blood alcohol limits, abstinence and preparation

When may an MPU be ordered because of alcohol?

Under § 13 FeV (Driving Licence Regulation, Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung), an MPU (medical-psychological assessment, Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung) because of alcohol is likely above all if you drove a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (Blutalkoholkonzentration, BAK) of 1.6‰ or more. This is the clearest and most common case. However, the driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde) also orders an MPU in other situations.

• Repeated drink-driving: Anyone who has been caught in road traffic under the influence of alcohol several times must expect an MPU even below 1.6‰.
• Signs of alcohol misuse: If a medical report indicates misuse, the authority can demand an expert report (Gutachten).
• Dependence or previous revocation: If it needs to be clarified whether misuse or dependence no longer exists, or if your licence has already been revoked for this reason, an MPU will also follow.

The MPU is always ordered by the driving licence authority, not by the court. The court imposes the revocation and the ban period (Sperrfrist); the authority later formulates the specific question. If you are unsure whether your case applies at all, the overview Do I need an MPU? will help you.

Why is an MPU possible from as little as 1.1‰?

An MPU is possible from as little as 1.1‰ if you showed no typical signs of alcohol impairment despite this level. The Federal Administrative Court (Bundesverwaltungsgericht) has ruled this, and the case law was confirmed again in 2026, among others by the Bavarian Higher Administrative Court (Bayerischer Verwaltungsgerichtshof) (as of 2026).

The idea behind this is called tolerance (Giftfestigkeit). Anyone who still appears unremarkable with a high blood alcohol level has usually become accustomed to larger amounts of alcohol over a longer period. The absence of impairment is therefore regarded as an additional fact indicating regular, increased consumption.

For the later interview, this means: the story of a "one-off slip" has practically no chance with high levels and no signs of impairment. So read the authority's order carefully, because it states which facts it is relying on.

Which blood alcohol limits apply in road traffic?

The blood alcohol limits in road traffic range from 0.0‰ for new drivers up to the MPU threshold of 1.6‰. Not every limit automatically leads to an MPU, but each has its own consequences.

The limits for bicycles and e-scooters differ in part. The page MPU after riding a bicycle or e-scooter explains what applies there.

Abstinence or controlled drinking: what does the MPU require?

The MPU requires either permanent abstinence or a stable change in drinking behaviour, depending on how serious the assessors considered your alcohol problem to be. This is based on the assessment criteria (Beurteilungskriterien, 5th edition, 2026). They assign each case to a so-called hypothesis, on the basis of your file and not of your wishes.

Controlled drinking is only an option if there is no finding of dependence. You then need a plausible concept that you live by permanently, with fixed rules on amounts, drinking days and exceptions, plus emergency strategies and always 0.0‰ at the wheel. This is documented, for example, with a drinking diary.

Only abstinence is realistic in the case of dependence (A1). For advanced misuse (A2), abstinence is the rule; since the 4th edition (2022), the assessment criteria only recognise controlled drinking as an exception – without any indication of dependence and with a stable concept documented over at least 6, preferably 12 months. In repeat cases and with very high blood alcohol levels, abstinence is usually the safe route too. As a rule of thumb: from about 2.0‰, controlled drinking hardly has any chance of success. What matters is that your choice fits your file, otherwise it will not seem credible.

How long do you have to prove abstinence?

For alcohol, a proof of abstinence (Abstinenznachweis) usually runs for 6 or 12 months and must be completed before the MPU. Which period applies depends on the severity of your case. 12 months is common, and in the case of dependence usually at least 12 months.

The proof must follow the so-called CTU criteria, otherwise it is worthless. These include a laboratory accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, unannounced appointments with short-notice summons, an identity check and complete documentation.

• Urine (EtG): 6 months correspond to 4 tests, 12 months to 6 tests. EtG can be detected in urine for about 24 to 80 hours.
• Hair (EtG): One analysis covers a maximum of 3 cm and therefore about 3 months. Dyed or bleached hair makes the analysis unusable.
• PEth (blood): Reflects consumption over roughly the last 2 to 4 weeks. According to the assessment criteria, a value below 20 ng/ml counts as abstinence.

A positive result or a missed appointment usually invalidates the current programme, and the abstinence clock then starts again. You can find all the details on the procedure, laboratories and costs under Proof of abstinence for the MPU.

What will you talk about in the psychological interview?

In the psychological interview, you talk about your past alcohol consumption, the reasons for it and what has specifically changed since then. The interview lasts about 45 to 60 minutes and is the most important part of the MPU.

Typical topics in an alcohol MPU are:

1. Your drinking history: Since when, how often and how much did you drink, and how did this develop?
2. The amount drunk on the day of the offence: The assessor calculates backwards from your blood alcohol level. If your statement does not match the BAK and the laboratory values, the contradiction is noticed immediately.
3. The causes: What did alcohol "do" for you, for example relieve stress or cover up insecurity?
4. The change: What do you do differently today, since when, and how do other people notice it?
5. The future: Which situations are risky for you, and what do you do then?

The assessor checks whether your file, the questionnaire, laboratory values and your account fit together. Memorised model answers do not seem credible. You can read how to prepare sensibly under MPU preparation.

How much does an MPU because of alcohol cost?

Realistically, an MPU because of alcohol costs around €1,500 to €4,000 in total (guideline, as of 2026). The fee for the expert report alone is around €550 to €750 for alcohol and drugs, because each assessment centre has set its own prices since 2018.

The biggest differences come from the duration of the proof of abstinence and the scope of the preparation. You can find a detailed breakdown on the page MPU costs.

Note: This page does not replace legal advice. If you have questions about the lawfulness of an order or about time limits, contact a lawyer specialising in traffic law (Fachanwalt für Verkehrsrecht).

What happens next?

First apply for file inspection (Akteneinsicht) so that you know the exact question and your values. If a proof of abstinence is required, start it as early as possible, because it determines your entire timetable. Through MPU Plus you can find suitable counselling that fits your case.