Drink driving b&w

The Law on Drink Driving

Learn the facts about drink driving offences, driving penalties and staying safe on the roads.

If you suspect a drink driver you can ring the Police on 101, alternatively you can also contact Crimestoppers to report the crime anonymously. They will pass on the information about the crime to the Police.

UK law is very clear when it comes to drink driving offences. If you’re caught over the legal limit, you stand to be heavily punished for dangerous driving. As every human being is different, it’s almost impossible to accurately measure your own alcohol tolerance in relation to driving ability.

Even the next day after drinking, you could still have a dangerous amount of alcohol in your blood. The simple advice therefore is to steer clear of alcohol altogether when driving and avoid driving penalties.

The Reality

Nearly one in six of all deaths on the road involve drink driving

Every year, more than 100,000 breath tests carried out by police are found to be positive

A shower, a cup of coffee or other ways of ‘sobering up’ do not speed up the process

Around 3,000 people in the UK are killed or seriously injured each year in drink and drive collisions

Know your limits

The Consequences

Drink driving penalties may include:

  • White tick icon A minimum 12 month driving ban
  • White tick icon A criminal record
  • White tick icon A hefty fine
  • White tick icon Up to 6 months in prison
  • White tick icon An endorsement on your licence for 11 years

ADDITIONAL Consequences

ADDItional consequences of drink driving convictions:

  • Blue tick icon Higher car insurance costs
  • Blue tick icon Job loss and employment issues
  • Blue tick icon Criminal record
  • Blue tick icon Loss of independence
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WHAT you should consider

Beware the morning after

You could be over the legal limit many hours after your last drink, even if it’s the ‘morning after’. Sleep, coffee and cold showers don’t help to sober you up.

If you’re planning to drink alcohol, plan your journey home

Options include agreeing on a designate a driver, order a taxi or check public transport routes before you go out.

Don’t offer alcohol to someone you know is planning to drive

Friends do NOT let friends drink and drive, ever.

Don’t accept a lift from a driver you know has drunk alcohol

Don’t be afraid to confiscate their keys and prevent them from driving.

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