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Did you know?

More info

Did you know?

  • Drivers in England, Wales and Scotland convicted of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs face a minimum period of disqualification of 5 years and the maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
  • A driver could be charged with driving while unfit even if they are not over the limit.
  • The only thing that eliminates alcohol from the body is time and the average person will metabolise around 1 unit of alcohol per hour.

A drink driving conviction means…


a mandatory driving ban for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years). An offence which stays on your licence for 11 years

You could also be given:

  • 6 months in prison.
  • an unlimited fine.

 

A conviction for drink driving also means:


a big increase in vehicle insurance.

difficulty travelling to countries like the USA.

an employer will see the conviction on the driving licence.

More info

Drinking alcohol affects a driver’s eye, hand, and foot coordination. It impairs reaction time, coordination concentration, decreases vision and inhibits judgement.

The Road Traffic Act 1988 identifies that a person who, when driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place, is unfit to drive through drink or drugs, is guilty of an offence.

The “Morning after” effect means you could still be over the limit and your driving affected the next day as it takes time for alcohol to be eliminated from the bloodstream.

A good night’s sleep followed by a fry-up and strong coffee DOES NOT SPEED THIS UP!

There are strict alcohol limits for drivers, and remember the limits in Scotland are lower than the rest of the UK.
Max level of alcohol England, Wales and N. Ireland Scotland
Micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath 35 22
Milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood 80 50
Milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine 107 67

This information sheet is free for employers to download and distribute to their drivers.
It may not be amended in any way | Copyright 2022 National Highways.

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