Whether you have been charged with drink driving or would like to find out more about drink driving charges, this article contains the answers to the most asked questions concerning drink driving.
What is the legal limit for drink driving?
In England, the legal limit for drink driving is:
- 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
- 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
- 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.
In Scotland, the legal limit is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
Unfortunately, it is hard to determine how many drinks will put you over the alcohol limit as everybody is different, and reacts to alcohol differently; the safest possibility is to definitely avoid driving at all if you have had a drink.
What are the consequences of drink driving?
There is a range of consequences you can face after being charged driving under the influence of alcohol. The severity of the penalties depends on the severity of the offence committed.
If you oversaw a vehicle whilst over the legal limit:
- You can face up to 3 months in prison.
- A fine of up to £2,500
- A driving ban.
Driving or attempting to drive over the limit
- You can face up to 6 months in prison.
- An unlimited fine.
- A driving ban for one year at least.
Refusing to supply a specimen
- You can face up to 6 months in prison.
- An unlimited fine.
- A driving ban for at least one year.
If you cause death by driving under the influence of alcohol
- Up to 14 years in prison
- An unlimited fine
- A driving ban for at least two years
- You will also have to undertake a driving test before being able to drive again after your disqualification has finished.
Can the police conduct a random breathalyser test?
Yes, especially during Christmas time, the police do random checks on drivers to check if they are driving over the legal limit. Checkpoint drink driving campaigns are enforced at this time of the year especially, to put people driving under the influence of alcohol and detect drink drivers before an accident could occur.
How long does a drink driving convictions stay on my licence?
Drink driving convictions stay on your licence for 11 years. If you commit another offence related to drinking driving within ten years, the minimum ban is three years. That is why it is important to ask a solicitor to help you and reduce your charges to the best possible extent.
Can I be sent to prison for drink driving?
For more severe offences, you can get sent to jail for drink driving – depending on previous convictions and how serious the crime committed was. For causing death from drink driving, you could face up to 14 years in prison. To find out more about this topic, read here. If you would like more advice on your drink driving offences, contact one of our solicitors now, on our online chat, we provide 24/7 service.
Can I lose my licence for drink driving?
Yes, you can lose your licence for drink driving. For more severe offences, you may face bans for at least three years, depending on whether you have committed similar crimes before. To find out more about the length of ban you can face based on the amount of alcohol found in your system, read here. The minimum driving ban you can face is 12-16 months.
What if I fail to supply a sample?
If the police ask you to perform a breathalyser test, a blood test or a urine test, you must do it, and if you fail to do it, you will be charged the same as for drink driving. That also includes a 12-month ban because unless you have a good reason to not provide a sample, the court will view this as failing to provide as you were under the influence of alcohol.
Are there situations when it is ok to drive over the limit?
No – it is never acceptable to drive if you are over the legal limit. Sometimes, under special reasons, you may be able to defend your case, for example, when you were driving because of an emergency. Contact us if you have been charged with drink driving but had a good reason to be driving at the time.
How we can help
Our solicitors do not condone drink driving, but we believe that all situations are different, and everyone deserves the best representation in court. We understand that going to court can be an extremely stressful experience but having the support of an experienced solicitor by your side can help ease your anxieties. It can also help you get the best possible outcome for your case in the most stress-free and easy way.
Contact our Solicitors now!
Contact us now. Solicitors On Your Side can offer you free advice and consultations.
Contact us today by phoning 0330 912 2124, emailing [email protected], or by using our website by filling out an online form.
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