There are strict alcohol limits for drivers, but it’s impossible to say exactly how many drinks this equals – it’s different for each person.

The limits in Scotland are different to the rest of the UK.

• England, Northern Ireland and Wales: 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath
• Scotland: 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath

Drink drive penalties

You could be imprisoned, banned from driving and face a fine if you’re found guilty of drink-driving.

The actual penalty you get is up to the magistrates who hear your case, and depends on your offence.

You may be able to reduce your ban by taking a drink-drive rehabilitation scheme (DDRS) course if you’re banned from driving for 12 months or more. It’s up to the court to offer this.

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
• a driving ban for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)

Refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis

You may get:

• 6 months’ imprisonment
• an unlimited fine
• a ban from driving for at least 1 year

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
• an extended driving test before your licence is returned

Other problems you could face

A conviction for drink-driving also means:

• your car insurance costs will increase significantly
• if you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your licence
• you may have trouble travelling to countries like the USA

Source: www.gov.uk/drink-drive-limit

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