Drink-driving penalties

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

    Penalties for different offences

    The following penalties may apply if you’re charged and found guilty of a drink-driving offence.

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

    The courts may offer you to take a drink-drive rehabilitation scheme (DDRS) course if you’re banned from driving for 12 or more months.

    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
    • up to £5,000 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
    • up to £5,000 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

    The High Risk Offenders Scheme

    Your driving licence won’t be returned automatically at the end of a driving ban if you’re a ‘high risk offender’. You’ll only get your licence back if you pass a medical examination.

    You’re a high risk offender if you:

    • were convicted of 2 drink-driving offences within 10 years
    • were driving when you were at 2.5 times or more the legal alcohol limit
    • refused to give the police a sample of breath, blood or urine to test for alcohol
    • refused to allow a sample of your blood to be tested for alcohol (eg if it was taken when you were unconscious)

    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