Drink-driving 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:
- life imprisonment
- an unlimited fine
- a ban from driving for at least 5 years
- an extended driving test before your licence is returned
You will not automatically get your licence back if you’re a high risk offender.
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