Insurers in Germany call to extend zero-alcohol rule for young drivers to age 24

German insurers are urging policymakers to consider extending the existing zero-alcohol driving rule for novice drivers from age 21 to 24, in a bid to reduce alcohol-related crashes among young people.

At present, drivers under 21 must maintain a strict 0 % blood alcohol level. But newly published data from the accident research division of insurers show that in 2023, drivers aged 18 to 24 caused 1,287 accidents while under the influence of alcohol—resulting in 18 deaths and 372 serious injuries. Nearly two-thirds of these crashes were attributed to drivers aged 21 to 24.

Kirstin Zeidler, head of accident research at the German Insurance Association (GDV), described the current limit as a “protective shield” that helps young people avoid risks posed by inexperience as well as social pressure. But insurers warn that compliance often drops sharply once drivers pass the 21st birthday threshold.

Insurers say that extending the ban by four years could help entrench sober driving habits. They also backed measures such as improved alcohol education, tighter enforcement and affordable transport alternatives to prevent drink-driving among young adults.