The situation: A foreign driver has a few drinks at dinner then drives, is stopped at a routine checkpoint and their breath-alcohol reading is above 20 mg per 100 ml.
Applicable law: Article 91 of the Road Traffic Safety Law (2004): drunk driving (20-80 mg/100ml): fine of 1,000-2,000 yuan, licence suspended 6 months. Driving while intoxicated (above 80 mg/100ml): licence cancelled for 5 years, imprisonment up to 6 months. If an accident occurs: doubled penalties that can reach life imprisonment.
Typical outcome for foreigners: A fine and licence suspension, with a criminal record entry that may affect residence renewal or future visa applications.
🚔 Fights, theft, forgery · Awareness case
Drink Driving — Immediate Penalties That Admit No Bargaining · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 道路交通安全法 / Road Traffic Safety Law, Arts 91-93
In China the drink-driving limit is lower than you might expect, and there is no difference between a foreigner and a Chinese national before the law.
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Lesson: In China the rule is simple: either you drink or you drive, with nothing in between. The legal limit of 20 mg/100ml can equate to a single beer in many cases. Use a taxi or ride-hailing app if you have consumed alcohol.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026