Every year, the festive season sees a spike in drivers failing roadside breath tests as revellers take the wheel after consuming too much alcohol.
Recent figures show that drink-drive related deaths and injuries jumped to a four-year high in 2016, with more than 9,000 people killed or series injured in drink-drive incidents. The data prompted renewed calls for a change in approach to the current laws.
Read more: Drink-drivers in the UK will be offered a device to stop cars starting when they’re over the limit
So what is the drink-drive limit?
The maximum blood alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
In Scotland, it is 50mg/100ml blood.
There are plans to lower it to the Scottish level in Northern Ireland but the UK Government does not have any plan to reduce the limit in England and Wales.
Recent research has suggested that the lower limit in Scotland has not reduced related casualties since it was introduced in 2014.
Read more: Backing for lower drink-drive limit in England as drivers warned over morning-after risks
What are the penalties?
The exact punishment is down to the courts but you can be fined, banned and even jailed if found guilty of drink driving. In Scotland you can also have your car seized.
Different offences attracting more or less severe penalties, with the Government offering the following guidelines:
Being in charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
You may get:
- 3 months’ imprisonment
- up to £2,500 fine
- a possible driving ban
Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
You may get:
- 6 months’ imprisonment
- an unlimited fine (up to £5,000 in Scotland and Northern Ireland)
- a driving ban for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
- Forced to resit the driving test (Northern Ireland)
Refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis
You may get:
- 6 months’ imprisonment
- an unlimited fine (Up to £5,000 in Scotland and Northern Ireland)
- a ban from driving for at least 1 year
- Forced to resit the test (NI)
Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink
You may get:
- 14 years’ imprisonment
- an unlimited fine
- a ban from driving for at least 2 years
- Forced to sit an extended driving test before your licence is returned
Getting On ‘The Right Road’
Whatever your level of driving experience Surrey Driving Force can offer driving lessons in Surrey to suit you. From driving tests to refresher courses, our friendly and experienced instructors will help you to achieve your goal quickly and affordably.
- Competitive rates
- Friendly, patient and fully qualified Driving Instructors
- Test success in as few lessons as possible
- Convenient pick-ups from home, work or school
- New, air-conditioned, dual control cars
- Reduced driving lesson prices when you block book
- Driving lessons seven days a week
As Well As Surrey Driving Lessons We Offer:
- Intensive Courses
- Mock Practical Tests
- Pass Plus
- Motorway Driving Training
- Refresher Training
- Taxi Driver Training
- Advanced Driver Training
- ADI Training – ADI Part 1, ADI Part 2, ADI Part 3
Don’t Forget!
Theory Test Pro – FREE!
Surrey Driving Force students have full access to premium content via Theory Test Pro whilst learning with us. This is a great resource and really helps our students pass their theory test first time. It’s also available as a free app to download on iPhone or Android, where again you can access the premium content.
