Drink Driving Ban / Drink Driving Offences

What is the drink driving limit?

In the UK the current prescribed drink driving limit is:

• 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath; or
• 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood; or

• 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine

However, pursuant to current Home Office Guidelines, no action would be taken for a breath reading for less than 39 and a breath reading of between 40 and 50 would also allow the accused the option to undertake a blood or urine test as an alternative.

What is the minimum punishment for drink driving offences?

The punishment depends on the actual allegation. For being in charge of a vehicle, if in exceptional circumstances a driving ban is not imposed, the range of penalty points is between 3 and 11. However, a mandatory ban is the punishment for driving or attempting to drive.

What is the minimum drink driving ban?

The length of disqualification is dependent upon the exact circumstances and the alcohol reading. This would normally start from 12 months on readings of 55 ug breath / 124 mg of blood or 170 mg of urine. The normal disqualification for failing to supply a specimen, is a minimum of 18 months.

What is the maximum penalty for driving under the influence?

If the Court takes the view that an offence is "so serious" that it can only be adequately punished by way of a prison sentence, then the Defendant can be sent to prison, even on the first offence. Clearly, "so serious" will depend upon the circumstances of the incident and the alcohol reading. Custodial sentences would normally be considered at readings of 116 ug breath / 265 mg of blood or 355 mg of urine.

At levels of 86 ug breath / 196 mg blood / 261 mg urine, community service is an option, as would a curfew order, but at lower levels, the ban will range from 12–36 months.

What if this is my second drink drive offence?

Any previous offence within 10 years will result in a disqualification of at least 36 months.

What if a driving ban will result in me losing my job?

Although this may affect the duration of the disqualification, it is most unlikely that it would result in a ban being avoided.

What other factors will the Court take into account?

The Court will consider both aggravating and mitigating factors. Aggravating factors will increase the length of a ban, and could include lack of co–operation, having children in the car, being involved in an accident etc. Mitigating factors can reduce the severity of the penalty and can include a previously good record, co–operation with the Police, early plea etc. It always makes sense to obtain expert legal advice in order to clarify how best to present a case.

Is there any benefit from instructing a lawyer if a driving ban is inevitable?

It is important that at the hearing, the most compelling mitigation is put forward so it makes sense to obtain legal advice/representation.

The length of disqualification is at the discretion of the Court and the information above is by way of a guideline only. It is quite possible that the length of the ban can be reduced if a strong plea of mitigation is put forward. This will also result in a lower fine. Although the Court does have the option to reduce a ban by 25% if the Defendant attends a drink drive rehabilitation course, this is not automatic and the Court may take some persuading to allow this opportunity.

How long does a drink drive conviction stay on my driving licence?

The conviction will be valid for 10 years and can be removed from your licence 11 years after the event.

Where can I find out further information and more detailed advice?