What Is 0.15 Promille in BAC? Conversion and Impairment Levels Explained
0.15 promille = 0.015% BAC — barely above zero. The Alcomato calculator shows your result in both BAC% and promille.
Calculate Your BAC and Promille →If you have seen "0.15 promille" and wondered what it means in BAC percentage terms — or whether it is legal to drive — this guide gives you the complete answer with the conversion table and context.
The Quick Answer: 0.15‰ = 0.015% BAC
0.15 promille (‰) equals 0.015% BAC. This is a very low alcohol level — barely above zero. The conversion is always simple: divide promille by 10 to get BAC%.
0.15 ‰ ÷ 10 = 0.015% BAC
To put this in perspective: the US legal driving limit of 0.08% BAC = 0.80‰. Poland's strict limit of 0.2‰ = 0.02% BAC. At 0.15‰, you are below even Poland's lowest limit. For a full conversion guide, see BAC vs. Promille conversion.
Critical warning: Do not confuse 0.15‰ (promille) with 0.15% BAC. These are completely different values. 0.15% BAC = 1.5‰ promille — a severely intoxicated level that would be over the legal limit in every country. If someone reports "0.15" without specifying the unit, confirm which unit they mean before interpreting it.
Promille to BAC Conversion Table (0.1‰ to 1.0‰)
| Promille (‰) | BAC (%) | Impairment Level | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.10‰ | 0.010% | Essentially zero | Legal everywhere |
| 0.15‰ | 0.015% | Essentially zero | Legal everywhere |
| 0.20‰ | 0.020% | Below threshold | Poland's driving limit |
| 0.25‰ | 0.025% | Very mild | Legal in most countries |
| 0.30‰ | 0.030% | Mild relaxation | Legal for driving in US/UK |
| 0.50‰ | 0.050% | Mild impairment begins | Germany/EU driving limit |
| 0.80‰ | 0.080% | Measurable impairment | US/UK driving limit |
| 1.00‰ | 0.100% | Clear impairment | Over limit everywhere |
Want to know exactly what BAC or promille level you are at after a specific drink? The Alcomato calculator gives you both values instantly.
Calculate Your BAC and Promille →What Does 0.15 Promille Feel Like?
At 0.015% BAC / 0.15‰, most people experience absolutely no subjective effects. Scientific studies show that the perceptual threshold for alcohol effects is generally around 0.02–0.03% BAC for light drinkers. 0.015% is below this threshold for virtually everyone.
Reaction time studies show no measurable impairment below 0.02% BAC. You would need specialised laboratory testing to detect any alcohol-related performance changes at 0.15‰.
How Many Drinks to Reach 0.15 Promille (0.015% BAC)?
At 0.015% BAC, you are looking at approximately half a standard drink for most adults. Using the Widmark formula for a 70kg man:
- Target BAC: 0.015%
- Formula: Grams needed = BAC × body weight in grams × r = 0.015 × 70,000 × 0.68 / 100 = 7.1g
- A 330ml 5% beer contains 13g — so roughly half a beer reaches 0.15‰ for a 70kg man.
- For a 55kg woman (r=0.55): 0.015 × 55,000 × 0.55 / 100 = 4.5g — less than half a beer.
Is 0.15 Promille Legal for Driving?
Yes, 0.15‰ is legal for driving in every country in the world. Even Poland, which has one of Europe's strictest limits at 0.2‰ (0.02% BAC), sets its threshold above 0.15‰. The UK and US limits (0.08% = 0.8‰) are more than 5× higher than 0.15‰.
However, some countries impose stricter limits for specific driver categories:
- New drivers / probationary licenses: Many countries impose 0.0‰ (zero tolerance) for drivers in their first 2 years.
- Commercial/CDL drivers: The US imposes a 0.04% BAC limit (0.4‰) for commercial drivers — still far above 0.15‰.
- Zero tolerance jurisdictions: Some US states impose zero tolerance for under-21 drivers. At 0.015% BAC, this could technically trigger a DUI for underage drivers.
Not sure where your BAC stands relative to your country's legal limit? The calculator shows your precise BAC in both % and promille.
Check Your Legal Status →Frequently Asked Questions
Is 0.15 promille the same as 0.15% BAC?
No — these are completely different values. 0.15 promille (‰) = 0.015% BAC. 0.15% BAC = 1.5‰ promille. The % value is always 10× smaller than the ‰ value. Confusing these two is dangerous. See our BAC vs. Promille guide for the complete conversion table.
Can a breathalyzer even detect 0.15 promille?
Modern evidential-grade breathalyzers (Intoxilyzer, Alco-Sensor) can reliably detect alcohol at 0.010% BAC (0.1‰) and above. Roadside screening devices may have a minimum detection threshold around 0.010–0.020% BAC. So yes, 0.015% (0.15‰) is detectable, but it would never result in a DUI charge under any country's legal limit.
How long until 0.15 promille clears?
At 0.015% BAC and an elimination rate of 0.015%/hr, it takes exactly one hour to clear. In practice, this amount of alcohol is negligible and most people would test at 0.000% within 1–2 hours of their last drink producing 0.15‰.
Convert between promille and BAC instantly for any drink amount.
Open the BAC Calculator →Disclaimer: This article provides educational information only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. BAC calculators provide estimates, not exact measurements. Individual BAC varies based on numerous factors including body composition, metabolism, food intake, medications, and health conditions. Never rely solely on calculators to determine if you are safe to drive. The only safe BAC for driving is 0.00%. Always use alternative transportation after consuming alcohol. If you struggle with alcohol use, consult a healthcare professional or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.